Lebanon Bans Iranian Airlines After Israel Allegations

DALLAS — Lebanon aviation authorities have banned Iranian airlines Mahan Air (W5) and Iran Air (IR) from flying into Beirut, Lebanese television network LBCI reported. 

This comes after an accusation by Israel's military that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force used civilian flights to ship money and arms to Hezbollah through Beirut airport (BEY).

The situation is fluid, with Iran retaliating by denying Lebanon's Middle East Airlines (ME) landing rights in Tehran.

Increased Scrutiny on Flights to Beirut

Lebanese authorities have also stepped up screening of flights from Iraq in an attempt to cut cash transfers to Hezbollah. 

The move comes as tensions remain high, with both Israel and Lebanon continuing to exchange accusations of breaching the ceasefire brokered in November.

Affected Flight Frequencies

Before this ban, IR operated one weekly flight from Beirut to Tehran, departing at 12:15 and arriving at 15:25. The flight took 2 hours and 40 minutes, as per September 2024 data.

Lebanese authorities have asked some airlines to "temporarily reschedule" flights while implementing additional security measures.

The duration of this suspension and when or if these flights will resume is currently unclear.

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