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A Lebanese Blog

Tag: airline

  • MEA to Launch Lebanon’s First Low Cost Airline – Affordable Travel on the Horizon?

    Big news is on the horizon for Lebanon’s aviation scene! Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national carrier, has announced its intention to launch a new low-cost airline, bringing hope for more affordable travel options to Europe and the region.

    A Fresh Option for Lebanese Travelers

    For years, Lebanese travelers have been calling for cheaper flight options, and now, MEA is responding. The airline plans to establish a fully-owned low-cost subsidiary, set to launch within the next two years with an initial fleet of four aircraft.

    Early destinations are expected to include European hubs like Germany and Denmark, as well as popular regional cities such as Egypt. This could make spontaneous weekend getaways, family visits, and budget-friendly trips much more accessible.

    A Brighter Future for Lebanon’s Travel Sector

    This move comes at a time of broader discussions about upgrading Lebanon’s aviation infrastructure. Plans are in place for a second terminal at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, though construction has not yet started. Additionally, there’s been increasing talk of reactivating Klayaat Airport (Rene Mouawad Airport) in the north, which could soon offer an alternative airport option for travelers.

    • A low-cost airline,
    • A second terminal in Beirut in the future,
    • And the possible reopening of Klayaat Airport
      This combination could be a game changer for Lebanon’s tourism and economy.

    Not only would these developments help cut down travel costs, but they could also encourage more tourists to visit, more expats to return more often, and more opportunities for regional travel.

    What to Expect

    While the details are still unfolding, travelers could benefit from:

    • Lower ticket prices to key destinations
    • More flight options beyond just Beirut
    • Improved travel infrastructure for smoother journeys
    • A positive boost for the tourism industry

    MEA is already forecasting strong growth in passenger numbers, and these developments could make Lebanon a regional travel hub once again.

    Between the upcoming low-cost airline, the planned second terminal, and Klayaat Airport potentially reopening, Lebanon’s skies are looking more open than ever. This is an opportunity to make travel affordable, promote tourism, and reconnect Lebanon with the world in a much easier way.

  • Middle East Airlines Seals The Deal for 4 Airbus A330-900neo Aircrafts

    As part of its wide body fleet renewal, Middle East Airlines has decided to purchase four new and two option Airbus A330-900neo powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines due to deliver in 2021. And just today, a contract was signed with Rolls-Royce to provide support for the Trent 7000 engines powering the new fleet.

    The contract was signed during the Lebanon-UK Business and Investment Forum in London by MEA Chairman Mohamad El-Hout and Rolls-Royce Chairman Ian Davis in the presence of Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the UK Minister of State for International Development and Minister of State for the Middle East, Alistair Burt.

    One of the things I love about Middle East Airlines is that they are always committed to keep their fleet up to date by retiring their old aircrafts once they accomplish 12-13 years of service, and today’s step goes inline with this strategy.

  • Here’s How Much You Should Now Pay When Leaving Beirut Airport

    The minute President Aoun pased the salary scale and tax hike laws 2 days ago, the civil aviation authority at Beirut Airport instructed all operating airlines to start collecting an exit tax as of Wednesday (August 22nd). But unfortunately people remained clueless about the exact fees and exceptions since no details were provided by the government except for the article published in the official journal which (almost) no one reads…!

    As per article 9 of law #45, here are the fees to be paid:

    • For economy class 60,000L.L ($40)
    • For business class 110,000L.L ($78)
    • For first class 150,000L.L ($100)
    • For travelers aboard private jets 400,000L.L ($266)

    Note that passengers aboard flights with distance less than 1,250Km are exempted from this tax, so you’re clear if you fly to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Jordan, and other nearby destinations.

    I assume those who have already purchased their tickets before Wednesday are paying the exit tax in cash at the airport, but I’m not sure whether it is going to remain like that in the future or airlines will simply add to their tickets prices…

    A lot of posts/messages are circulating about the new taxes by the way but most have incorrect figures, so make sure to refer back to the this issue of the official journal for the exact figures and consult your lawyer for additional info.