Two Emirates Airlines plane arrive in Beirut after travel ban lifted

L'Orient-Le Jour

07-05-2025

Two Emirates Airlines planes landed at Beirut airport, roughly a week after the United Arab Emirates announced the lifting of the travel ban to Lebanon imposed on its nationals since August 2023.
According to the state-run National News Agency (NNA), the arrival hall of the airport was "decorated with flowers to welcome the plane and its passengers," and "a number of Emirati passengers expressed their joy at returning to Lebanon," following political changes, particularly citing the election of Joseph Aoun as president. "They also noted that the number of arrivals from the United Arab Emirates would increase in the coming days, expressing appreciation for the warm welcome they received," NNA continues. A third plane is expected on Wednesday.
Morcos welcomes Emirati visitors at the airport
Information Minister Paul Morcos, representing the president, welcomed passengers on Wednesday on the first two flights from the United Arab Emirates, following the lifting of the travel ban on Lebanon by Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed.
Morcos described it as a "commendable day in the history of Lebanese-Arab relations and relations with the Gulf states." He stated that "Lebanon's natural position" was to welcome its Emirati and Gulf brothers.
"We await the arrival of all Arab nationals and from all parts of the world," he said, referring to the hoped-for lifting of the travel ban on Saudi nationals. "God willing, we will welcome them very soon. We are waiting for them and we welcome them to Lebanon."
Noting that this initiative was "the cornerstone" of a series of government achievements under President Joseph Aoun, the minister said that the Emirati decision was preceded by the British lifting of the travel ban on Lebanon. He hoped that it would be followed by other similar initiatives from other countries, and expressed hope that this step would allow for the development of relations and tourism between Lebanon and Arab countries.
"We want to encourage travel to Lebanon, thanks to the measures taken by the government, at Beirut airport, in tourist centers, hotels, restaurants, tourist regions," the minister added, saying that the security situation in Lebanon now allows it.
"The government is determined to overcome any difficulties that may hinder the arrival of Arab nationals," Morcos stated. Regarding the measures taken by the authorities to restore the confidence of Arab tourists, he indicated that ministerial committees have been established to monitor the situation, and that results will be realized quickly.
The announcement of lifting the travel ban to Lebanon for Emiratis was made following the first official visit by President Joseph Aoun to Abu Dhabi, where he was met by Emirati President, Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
"It was decided to allow the movement of citizens after implementing the necessary measures to facilitate mobility between the two countries, while expressing the desire to enhance the level of diplomatic representation," the two heads of state said in a joint statement. This also implied that the visa procedure for Lebanese nationals wishing to travel to the UAE would also be simplified.