We Might Finally Be Getting A Low-Cost Lebanese Airline – Here's What We Know

The 961

10 hours ago

Cheaper flights from Beirut? Count us in!
Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), is officially looking into launching a low-cost Lebanese airline – and yes, that could finally mean affordable travel to Europe and the Middle East straight from Beirut.
The plan is to create a budget airline under the MEA group, but fully independent.
MEA chairman Mohamad El Hout told The National: 'We are thinking of preparing within the next two years to launch a low-cost airline under MEA, starting with four aircraft.'
But it all depends on finding the planes.
MEA's currently hunting for aircraft in a super competitive market. If they manage to get them, the new airline would focus on popular routes where people are looking for cheaper options.
We all know how expensive it can be to fly out of Beirut. So, hearing that MEA is looking to offer a budget option (just like many other international airlines already do) is kind of a big deal.
Recently, low-budget airline Wizz added a route between Dubai and Beirut.
There are also plans to build a new terminal at the Beirut airport to serve up to 5 million passengers and potentially make room for more affordable airlines.
PM Nawaf Salam recently said that Lebanon's second international airport, the Rene Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat, will be rebranded and launched soon.
The new airport is expected to focus on cargo and low-cost travel.