Lebanese expats in the UAE are desperately seeking ways to bring their families to safety amid tensions in the Middle East. Compounding their woes is the unavailability of flights, not to mention the prices of tickets that have skyrocketed.
Few Flight Options
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is currently operational but only Lebanese national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) is operating commercial flights from there. With limited flight options, the cost of the tickets has skyrocketed.
Due to airspace closures, direct flights between the UAE and Lebanon have been suspended. Sharjah-based budget carrier, Air Arabia announced on Tuesday the indefinite suspension of flights to Beirut from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi due to the escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Other UAE-based airlines, including Dubai-based Emirates, and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways have no flights to and from the Lebanese capital until October 8. Flydubai has already canceled its flights until October 7.
According to the officials of two airlines, passengers transiting through Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a final destination to Beirut will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin.
