Latest news with #MiddleEastAirlines
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Lebanon's Middle East Airlines considers setting up low-cost arm amid 'new phase' of growth
Lebanon's Middle East Airlines (MEA) is studying setting up a low-cost carrier aimed at serving destinations in the Middle East and Europe, as the country plans to construct a second terminal in Beirut airport. The budget airline would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the wider MEA group but fully independent, Mohamad El Hout, MEA chairman, 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,' he said. 'This depends on finding aircraft we can receive, the search is ongoing. 'A lot of airlines now have a low-cost carrier … several destinations require low-cost service, rather than the configuration we have in our fleet now.' The airline has studied the market and sees demand for low-cost flights to destinations in Europe and the Middle East, he said, pointing to Germany, Denmark and Egypt as examples. Lebanon's flag carrier was a standout in the airline industry when it became the only remaining commercial carrier to continue operating out of Beirut airport amid intensified Israeli attacks in the country last year. Entering a 'new phase' However, MEA's chairman said the airline is now turning a corner and embracing a new era of growth. 'We were in one phase, and now we're moving into a new phase,' he said, pointing to the UAE lifting a travel ban on Emirati citizens flying to Lebanon. While Israeli attacks in Lebanon are still ongoing, they are 'targeted and precise' rather than wider military operations. 'They do not impact the significant growth in passenger traffic that we are seeing this month,' Mr El Hout said. The airline is forecasting year-on-year growth of 10 per cent to 15 per cent in the second half of 2025, he added. In terms of its fleet, MEA has an order book of nine aircraft. Six of these are scheduled to be delivered in 2026, two in 2027 and one in 2028. MEA expects to receive four of the extra-long range Airbus A321 XLR aircraft next year. 'The narrowbody aircraft has the capability to fly for nine hours and this will allow us to open new markets, in Africa particularly,' he said. It will also receive two Airbus A330 Neo wide-body aircraft to replace older jets. The airline is also seeking four A320 Neos but the market supply for jets is 'tight' and Airbus' backlog stretches to five years, he said, adding that the plane lessors have some availability. Once these A320 Neo narrowbodies are secured, the airline can proceed with its plans for a low-cost arm, Mr El Hout said. Like the rest of the airline industry, MEA is facing delayed aircraft deliveries amid industry-wide supply chain bottlenecks. Airbus planes that it will receive next year should have been delivered in 2023, Mr El Hout said. 'There are frustrations but my duty is to find solutions,' he said. New terminal at Beirut airport Plans are also under way to construct a second terminal at Rafic Hariri International Airport, MEA's home hub. The master plan, which is being developed by Dar Al Handasah in Beirut, calls for a second terminal with a capacity of five million passengers, he said. The project may be developed through a public-private partnership (PPP). 'The Lebanese government is preparing a book of terms for the project and MEA is very interested in this new terminal, especially as it can be a dedicated terminal for the operations of the airline, its partners and SkyTeam [alliance member airlines],' he said. 'It will be equipped and operated in a very modern way, with state-of-the-art technology for processing passengers without the need for passports, which is what we see in other new airports.' The master plan for the second terminal calls for eight piers or 'fingers' to accommodate narrow-body aircraft and three piers for wide-body aircraft, making a total of 11 piers, he said. The master plan is completed and the next step will include issuing a request for proposals (RFP). The second terminal will provide sufficient capacity to meet Lebanon's air travel requirements for several years ahead. 'We expect that phase one of this project will be enough for the next 10 to 15 years,' Mr El Hout said. 'If there is more stability, and more movements, there is a plan for phase two to accommodate 8 million passengers.' The project is estimated to cost between $400 million and $500 million, the MEA chairman said. 'There is interest, not just from foreign investors, but Lebanese as well,' he said. 'It's a successful project. We've had discussions with several people and we already see the interest.' Last month, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the master plan for a second international airport in the country will be unveiled within a month, pledging to open the project to foreign investors. 'The master plan for the new airport, the Rene Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat, will be presented in the coming weeks – in less than a month,' he said in May. Speaking on Tuesday at a conference in downtown Beirut, the prime minister said: 'We are advancing plans to rebrand and launch a second international airport. The second airport could play a strategic role in facilitating cargo movement and affordable travel.' He was speaking at a conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) called 'Rebuilding Lebanon: Investment framework, business opportunities, and dispute resolution'.
LBCI
16-04-2025
- Business
- LBCI
‘New face' for Lebanon: Beirut airport road revamp targets infrastructure and political banners
Report by Joe Farchakh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Welcome to Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport — the gateway to Lebanon and the first impression for every visitor. What lingers with travelers on the ride from the airport to the capital? Traffic, disorder, and visual clutter. But that reality is beginning to change. The airport road is no longer just a route between the airport and the capital, Beirut — it is also a political and cultural showcase of the country. In a clear message to the international community, tourists, and Lebanese expatriates, authorities have launched a plan to rehabilitate the airport road. The effort is expected to extend to other areas as well. The project goes beyond basic repaving. It includes road resurfacing, replacing damaged sidewalks, installing protective side barriers, upgrading and maintaining traffic signals, removing visually disruptive billboards, improving street lighting and landscaping, restoring stormwater drainage systems, and installing new ventilation fans in the tunnels leading to the airport. The rehabilitation project is part of a broader vision to transform Beirut into a city free of sectarian, political, and partisan slogans. In both directions, the Interior Ministry has begun implementing this plan along the road from downtown Beirut to the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium area. Through its ministries, departments, and agencies, the government has committed to the rehabilitation effort in partnership with the private sector, particularly Middle East Airlines, Lebanon's national carrier, which is assisting with work on the airport road. But, as always, the real test lies in execution.
National News
16-04-2025
- Business
- National News
Salam launches Beirut Airport Road Rehabilitation Project, hails Middle East Airlines' public role
NNA - Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, on Wednesday delivered a speech during the launch ceremony of Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport Road Rehabilitation Project, held at the airport's Training and Conference Center, emphasizing the symbolic and practical significance of the initiative. 'In recent months, we've held several meetings with Middle East Airlines, and our most important gathering will be in a few months as we celebrate the company's 80th anniversary,' Salam said. 'This occasion today, however, is also deeply meaningful. Throughout my studies and work abroad, like many Lebanese, I always felt that MEA's presence, through its offices, pilots, and crew, was a proud reflection of Lebanon, often rivaling our diplomatic missions. It truly represents Lebanon's beautiful face abroad and plays a no less important role domestically.' The Prime Minister highlighted MEA's role in rehabilitating key airport facilities, including the VIP lounge, describing the company as a model of public-private partnership. 'MEA is a private company with shareholders, yet it has a clear commitment to the public interest,' he said. Salam also stressed the importance of the road leading to the airport, calling it the first impression for returning Lebanese expatriates and visiting tourists alike. He praised the rehabilitation work undertaken by Khatib & Alami and addressed the critical need for enhanced security on the airport road, noting that meetings have already been held with the ministers of defense and interior to that end. Salam concluded by thanking and congratulating MEA Chairman Mohammad El-Hout and all company staff for their ongoing efforts. Following the speech, Prime Minister Salam toured various MEA departments alongside the ministers of tourism, interior, and public works, where he received a detailed briefing from employees on the company's operations.
LBCI
12-04-2025
- Business
- LBCI
On the path to reform: Beirut Airport undergoes major upgrades ahead of summer season
Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport is undergoing logistical and technical upgrades to enhance its image as the face of Lebanon and restore confidence among international travelers and airline operators. Lebanese authorities, driven by a renewed focus on preventing smuggling and illegal financial transfers, are now prioritizing adherence to international aviation standards. This shift has already generated positive local and international impressions, encouraging hopes that a more efficient and secure airport could reflect broader national progress. Among the improvements is the creation of a fast-track line dedicated to business travelers, which is expected to reduce congestion for regular passengers by more than 15%. The upgrades, partly financed by the national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA), include restored and fully functioning baggage belts in arrival halls and plans to expand certain areas to accommodate incoming travelers better. Changes are not limited to the inside of the airport. Along the main airport road, advertising contracts that previously featured images of political figures and martyrs—mostly from Hezbollah—have been replaced with scenic photos of Lebanon, projecting a more welcoming and apolitical message to visitors. The government aims to complete most of the current improvement phase by mid-June, before the busy summer travel season. Notably, more than 90% of the international airlines that halted operations in Lebanon after 2019 have expressed interest in returning, including several low-cost carriers. Officials view the airport rehabilitation as a symbolic and practical entry point to broader national recovery, with hopes that these visible efforts will mark the beginning of much-needed reform across other sectors.
MTV Lebanon
20-02-2025
- MTV Lebanon
MEA Rescheduled Flights for Sunday 23 February 2025
Middle East Airlines - Air Liban announces that all its flights scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2025, will operate as planned, with some modifications to departure and arrival times due to the temporary suspension of air traffic at Rafic Hariri International Airport – Beirut on February 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Passengers are kindly requested to adhere to the instructions of the Internal Security Forces regarding road conditions leading to the airport and to ensure arrival at least two hours before their scheduled departure. The following flights have been rescheduled for an earlier departure from Beirut on February 23, 2025: Flight ME320 from Beirut to Baghdad will now depart at 10:55 AM instead of 11:55 AM. Flight ME326 from Beirut to Al Najaf will now depart at 11:00 AM instead of 12:00 PM. Flight ME324 from Beirut to Erbil will now depart at 11:00 AM instead of 12:00 PM. Flight ME263 from Beirut to Istanbul will now depart at 11:10 AM instead of 12:00 PM. Flight ME229 from Beirut to Paris will now depart at 11:00 AM instead of 1:00 PM. For flights rescheduled for an earlier departure from outstations on February 23, 2025: Flight ME325 from Erbil to Beirut will now depart at 3:35 PM instead of 4:00 PM. Flight ME264 from Istanbul to Beirut will now depart at 3:10 PM instead of 4:00 PM. Flight ME230 from Paris to Beirut will now depart at 4:40 PM instead of 6:15 PM. The following flights have been delayed from Beirut on February 23, 2025: Flight ME-310 to Amman is now scheduled to depart at 11:00 AM instead of 7:50 AM. Flight ME-304 to Cairo is now scheduled to depart at 11:15 AM instead of 8:05 AM. Flight ME-265 to Istanbul is now scheduled to depart at 10:30 AM instead of 8:20 AM. Flight ME-426 to Dubai is now scheduled to depart at 8:20 AM instead of 7:20 AM. Flight ME-424 to Riyadh is now scheduled to depart at 8:40 AM instead of 8:25 AM. Flight ME-404 to Kuwait is now scheduled to depart at 9:40 AM instead of 8:40 AM. Flight ME-364 to Jeddah is now scheduled to depart at 10:30 AM instead of 8:55 AM. Flight ME-436 to Doha is now scheduled to depart at 5:10 PM instead of 3:15 PM. Flight ME-418 to Abu Dhabi is now scheduled to depart at 4:10 PM instead of 3:25 PM. Flight ME-322 to Baghdad is now scheduled to depart at 5:25 PM instead of 3:55 PM. Flight ME-428 to Dubai is now scheduled to depart at 4:35 PM instead of 4:15 PM. For the delayed flights from outstations on February 23, 2025: Flight ME-248 from Dusseldorf to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 11:15 AM instead of 10:45 AM. Flight ME-232 from Rome to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 12:00 PM instead of 11:00 AM. Flight ME-311 from Amman to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 4:10 PM instead of 11:00 AM. Flight ME-305 from Cairo to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 3:00 PM instead of 10:35 AM. Flight ME-266 from Istanbul to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 3:20 PM instead of 12:20 PM. Flight ME-427 from Dubai to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 2:30 PM instead of 1:30 PM. Flight ME-425 from Riyadh to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 1:55 PM instead of 12:40 PM. Flight ME-405 from Kuwait to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 2:55 PM instead of 12:55 PM. Flight ME-365 from Jeddah to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 3:00 PM instead of 1:25 PM. Flight ME-321 from Baghdad to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 3:40 PM instead of 3:25 PM. Flight ME-437 from Doha to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 9:50 PM instead of 7:55 PM. Flight ME-419 from Abu Dhabi to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 10:15 PM instead of 9:30 PM. Flight ME-323 from Baghdad to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 8:55 PM instead of 7:25 PM. Flight ME-429 from Dubai to Beirut is now scheduled to arrive at 11:25 PM instead of 10:25 PM. The flights that have not changed from Beirut include: Flight ME-247 to Dusseldorf at 6:30 AM. Flight ME-217 to Frankfurt at 7:15 AM. Flight ME-231 to Rome at 7:20 AM. Flight ME-201 to London at 7:35 AM. Flight ME-211 to Paris at 7:50 AM. Flight ME-312 to Amman at 5:05 PM. Flight ME-267 to Istanbul at 5:25 PM. Flight ME-442 to Dammam at 5:35 PM. Flight ME-402 to Kuwait at 5:40 PM. Flight ME-368 to Jeddah at 5:45 PM. Flight ME-422 to Riyadh at 5:55 PM. Flight ME-253 to Athens at 6:00 PM. Flight ME-306 to Cairo at 6:15 PM. Flight ME-261 to Larnaca at 9:00 PM. Flight ME-430 to Dubai at 9:00 PM. Flight ME-434 to Doha at 11:10 PM. The schedule of flights that have not changed from outstations includes: Flight ME-431 from Dubai to Beirut at 3:10 AM. Flight ME-435 from Doha to Beirut at 3:50 AM. Flight ME-218 from Frankfurt to Beirut at 12:00 PM. Flight ME-202 from London to Beirut at 12:10 PM. Flight ME-212 from Paris to Beirut at 1:40 PM. Flight ME-327 from Najaf to Beirut at 3:40 PM. Flight ME-313 from Amman to Beirut at 8:15 PM. Flight ME-268 from Istanbul to Beirut at 9:25 PM. Flight ME-443 from Dammam to Beirut at 9:50 PM. Flight ME-403 from Kuwait to Beirut at 9:55 PM. Flight ME-369 from Jeddah to Beirut at 10:15 PM. Flight ME-423 from Riyadh to Beirut at 10:10 PM. Flight ME-254 from Athens to Beirut at 9:00 PM. Flight ME-307 from Cairo to Beirut at 8:45 PM. Flight ME-262 from Larnaca to Beirut at 10:30 PM. All flights are according to the local time of each city.
