Lebanese authorities announced on Monday that they have indefinitely extended the suspension of all flights to and from Iran, previously set to expire on February 18.
Najat Charafeddine, spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency, conveyed that the decision tasks the Minister of Public Works and Transport with extending the suspension, though a resumption date was not specified.
This extension follows Lebanon’s refusal last week to allow two Iranian flights to land in Beirut. The decision was influenced by a warning from the United States, which facilitated the November 27 Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire, suggesting that Israel might shoot down the planes, as disclosed by a Lebanese security source to AFP.
Lebanon says it has extended suspension of flights to and from Iran without clarifying the period of the extension – Presidency pic.twitter.com/EnCy7hkFdC
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) February 17, 2025Israel has frequently accused Hezbollah of utilizing Beirut’s airport to import weapons from Iran, charges both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have denied.
Amidst these tensions, Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation revealed last Thursday that some flights, including those from Iran, would be temporarily rescheduled until February 18 to implement additional security measures.
The suspension has led to protests from supporters of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, who recently blocked the road to Beirut’s sole international airport. In response, Charafeddine stated that security forces received strict instructions to keep the airport road open and to enhance the inspection protocols for all aircraft operating there.
Moreover, Lebanon’s top diplomat is set to follow up on this issue to facilitate the return of Lebanese travellers still in Iran and ensure their safe and timely repatriation.
