Lebanon’s Skies Reopen Royal Jordanian, Ethiopian, Turkish Airlines, and More Boost Tourism and Economic Revival Ahead of the Holiday Season

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Beirut’s international airport is poised to see the return of most international and Arab flights by mid-December, following a temporary halt caused by the recent conflict with Israel. The resumption of these flights is a significant milestone in Lebanon’s efforts to recover from the aftermath of the conflict and is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the country’s tourism sector and economy ahead of the holiday season.

Resumption of Air Travel

By mid-December, Lebanon’s main international gateway, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, is set to welcome back airlines from across the globe. This follows an interruption in services when the conflict escalated, causing a temporary suspension of flights, except for those operated by Middle East Airlines of Lebanon. The decision to reinstate services, announced by Ali Hamieh, Lebanon’s acting Minister of Public Works and Transportation, comes at a pivotal moment. It coincides with the peak travel period for the Christmas and New Year holidays, a crucial time for Lebanon’s tourism industry, which heavily depends on international travel.

The government’s move to restart flight operations is an essential step toward normalizing the situation, given that Lebanon’s ports continued to operate during the conflict, even though its road infrastructure suffered significant damage. Areas in the south, including Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley, were particularly affected by the destruction of key roads, which is complicating the transportation of goods and services across the country. In response, efforts are underway to repair these damaged roads, although reconstruction is expected to take time.

Airlines Confirming Resumption of Services

The reopening of Lebanon’s airspace is viewed as a critical development in the recovery of the country’s travel industry. Several prominent airlines have already confirmed their plans to resume flights to Beirut, with some carriers already operating. Royal Jordanian, for example, resumed its daily flights between Amman and Beirut on December 1, while Turkish Airlines resumed its service between Istanbul and Beirut on December 3. Both airlines are significant players in the region and their return marks a sign of confidence in the recovery of the Lebanese market.

On December 8, Ethiopian Airlines is set to reestablish its flights between Addis Ababa and Beirut, while Qatar Airways plans to start daily operations to and from Beirut on December 9. The gradual resumption of flights by these major carriers is a positive signal for Lebanon’s tourism recovery, especially as many international travelers from the Gulf, Europe, and other regions traditionally visit Lebanon during the festive season.

Additionally, airlines such as EgyptAir and Iraqi Airways are expected to resume operations in the coming weeks. EgyptAir is set to begin flights on December 17, while Iraqi Airways will start its gradual return on December 8. Emirates and Etihad Airways are also planning to resume flights on December 9 and December 18, respectively, further reinforcing Lebanon’s position as a key hub in the Middle East.

Cautious Approaches from Certain Airlines

While many airlines have moved quickly to resume their services, some international carriers are adopting a more cautious approach. Air France, for example, has extended its suspension of flights to Beirut until January 5, 2025, citing ongoing security concerns. Similarly, airlines under the Lufthansa Group, including Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, and Austrian Airlines, are unlikely to return before March 2025.

The cautious approach of these airlines reflects the ongoing concerns over safety, which have been a major challenge for Lebanon’s aviation and tourism industries during periods of conflict. However, the planned return of many other international airlines is a testament to the optimism surrounding Lebanon’s recovery and its ability to attract travelers once again.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The phased resumption of international flights is seen as a vital step in Lebanon’s recovery, not just in terms of tourism but also for its broader economy. Lebanon’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with international visitors playing a key role in the country’s economic health. The return of flights is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s growth, especially as international travelers make their way to Lebanon for the festive season.

For Lebanon’s hospitality sector, this boost in air travel is especially timely. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions that were hit hard by the suspension of flights can now look forward to an influx of visitors, which should help generate revenue and create jobs. In particular, the return of Gulf visitors, who are major contributors to Lebanon’s tourism sector, is a welcome sign for local businesses.

Additionally, the resumption of services is expected to have a ripple effect on local industries such as transportation, retail, and entertainment, all of which will benefit from the return of foreign tourists. The re-opening of Lebanon’s skies also positions the country as a potential regional travel hub, as it enhances connectivity to global destinations.

A Promising Outlook for Lebanon’s Recovery

The gradual return of international flights to Beirut signifies the resilience of Lebanon’s tourism industry and its ability to recover from the turmoil caused by the conflict. With more airlines resuming services and Lebanon’s infrastructure undergoing repairs, the country is poised to regain its place as a premier destination in the Middle East. The Christmas and New Year period is expected to serve as a key moment for Lebanon’s tourism sector to demonstrate its recovery, drawing visitors from across the Arab world, Europe, and beyond. As global travel patterns begin to stabilize, Lebanon’s strategic position as a cultural and leisure destination will continue to attract visitors looking to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. The resumption of flights not only signals Lebanon’s recovery but also enhances the potential for long-term growth in the tourism sector, making it an attractive destination for global travelers once again

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