NNA - Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transportation, Ali Hamieh, on Wednesday convened an extensive meeting at the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
Following the meeting, Hamieh held a press conference to discuss key topics addressed with airport officials.
“This meeting at Rafic Hariri International Airport is part of our ongoing emergency meetings,” Hamieh stated, highlighting the alarming rise in civilian casualties attributed to Israeli actions, citing over 550 civilian deaths, including at least 50 children, in just the past 24 hours across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Beirut.
Hamieh further reported more than 2,000 civilian injuries in residential areas and emphasized the need for a robust emergency plan that has now shifted from weekly to daily evaluations.
The Public Works Minister then assured that Rafic Hariri International Airport remained operational, noting that several Arab, regional, and international airlines continue to function.
Moreover, Hamieh addressed concerns regarding rumors of flight cancellations and drone activity over the airport, urging media outlets to verify information directly with the Ministry.
“This facility has suffered, and so has the entire Lebanese population. Now is not the time to undermine the airport, which is the country’s primary air facility,” Hamieh stressed.
“Middle East Airlines remains the sole carrier transporting Lebanese from Beirut to global capitals and vice versa during this crisis,” he added.
When asked about the airlines that suspended flights to Lebanon, Hamieh remarked, “This is a decision made by the airlines, whether for 24 hours, 48 hours, or until the end of the month. However, Middle East Airlines and some others are still operating, thus the airport is ‘functional.’”
Regarding evacuation operations and medical assistance, Hamieh clarified that “these responsibilities lie with the respective ministries, such as the Ministry of Health for medical aid, while humanitarian efforts are managed by the emergency committee and the Higher Relief Committee within the Lebanese government. Coordination with the Lebanese Army is ongoing for military aircraft.”
In this vein, Hamieh denied any requests for evacuating nationals from the airport and confirmed ongoing collaboration between the Ministry and embassies interested in evacuation. He also addressed the concerns of Lebanese citizens stranded abroad due to inability to purchase tickets, stating that this is an issue linked to airlines and not the fault of the airport, the government, or Middle East Airlines, which is currently operating additional flights.
In response to fears among Lebanese about returning to the country due to potential Israeli attacks, Hamieh pointed out that the threat level regarding Rafic Hariri International Airport is assessed based on historical data.
“Since 2013, the Israeli enemy has committed an average of 1,000 airspace violations annually over Lebanon, particularly above this airport,” he noted. He also mentioned the European Union's acknowledgment of Israeli GPS jamming incidents, which affects aircraft navigation.
“We operate within established flight paths approved by international organizations, particularly ICAO. We adhere to international protocols and standards for aircraft departures and landings at Rafic Hariri International Airport,” he concluded, reiterating the General Directorate of Civil Aviation's advisories regarding the prohibition of certain communication devices, such as pagers, on flights.
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