As several governments issue warnings to citizens and airlines cancel flights, here’s what you need to know about travelling to Lebanon.
25 September 2024
Several airlines have suspended flights to Lebanon amid escalations between Israel and Hezbollah over the past week.
A number of governments around the world have also renewed their call for citizens to leave Lebanon immediately before fighting escalates further. It comes after more than 500 people were killed by Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Monday, with thousands more fleeing for safety, according to Lebanese media reports.
If you are currently in or have plans to travel to Lebanon, here is what you need to know.
Are flights to Lebanon being cancelled?
We recommend checking with your airline or travel company for updates on your flight or flight availability. The international airport in Beirut remains open but is operating at a reduced capacity.
Several of the UAE’s major airlines have cancelled scheduled flights to Beirut this week, including Emirates, which has cancelled all flights to and from Beirut until Tuesday, 1 October. “We’re constantly monitoring the situation,” the Dubai-based airline said on Twitter, advising passengers to keep checking for updates.
Etihad Airways has also cancelled all daily flights until Monday, 30 September, with its website showing the first available flight for Tuesday, 1 October. Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Qatar Airways have also temporarily suspended flights to the Lebanese capital, as have several international airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta Air Lines. Some carriers have also cancelled services to Tel Aviv.
Are there travel warnings in place for Lebanon?
Several governments, including the US, UK, France, and Ireland, have issued warnings urging their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. On Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that any British citizens currently in the country should “leave immediately.” He emphasized that the British government was “ramping up contingency plans,” warning that Lebanon could be on the brink of war.
The US Embassy in Lebanon urged its citizens to leave the country. “Due to the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the US Embassy urges US citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available,” it said in a statement on Monday. “At this time, commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity.”
Other embassies have been issuing calls for their citizens to leave for several weeks. For instance, in August, the Indian Embassy in Lebanon issued a warning “strongly advising” Indian nationals to leave Lebanon, and asked those who couldn’t to remain cautious and in contact with the embassy.
The official social media accounts for the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon, meanwhile, stated: “The embassy renews its call on Saudi citizens to leave Lebanese territory immediately in compliance with the decision to ban travel to Lebanon.”
What should I do if I have planned travel to Lebanon?
If you have travel booked to Lebanon in the coming weeks, it’s crucial to monitor the situation closely. If there are any changes to your flight schedule, the airline or travel agent should contact you directly, or you should reach out to them with any questions.
This is an ongoing story and will continue to be updated as the situation develops.
