The Lebanese air carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), is canceling most of its flights and moving its fleet to safer places!

Lebanese airline Middle East Airlines (MEA) is canceling flights and moving a large part of its fleet from its hub at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) due to increased security risks in the region. 

In addition to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, in recent days there has been renewed fighting along the border between Israel and Lebanon. At the same time, the Israeli air force also targeted the nearby Damascus and Aleppo airports in Syria. 

In view of this situation, as of 23 October 2023, MEA has relocated 14 aircraft from its fleet of 22 aircraft. The first five aircraft departed on 17 October 2023, being relocated to Istanbul (IST). They were then followed by four other aircraft which are now at Larnaca International Airport (LCA) in Cyprus. Other aircraft were moved to Doha, Muscat, Kuwait and Paris.  

MEA also announced over the weekend of 21-22 October 2023 that it may cancel up to 80% of its scheduled flight schedule due to rising insurance costs. Most of the affected flights are to Middle Eastern destinations such as Cairo, Baghdad, Amman, Najaf and Doha. The airline has also relaxed its flight change and cancellation policies for passengers. 

MEA currently operates a fleet of 22 all Airbus aircraft (nine A320s, nine A321neos and four A330-200s). MEA will be the launch customer for the A321XLR as soon as the aircraft is certified in 2024.