Lebanon’s flag-carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) became the first regional airline to recalibrate its network in real time on 28 February, scrapping ten rotations between Beirut and Gulf/Iraqi cities and instead laying on an evening relief flight to Larnaca. In a statement reported by L’Orient Today, MEA said the cancellations were “due to the closure of airspace in most countries in the region” following the US-Israel strikes on Iran. While Lebanese airspace itself remained open, the carrier cited unpredictable over-flight permissions and insurance considerations for the decision. The hastily scheduled Beirut–Larnaca flight (ETD 20:00 local) underscores Cyprus’ longstanding role as a safe-haven gateway for travellers seeking to reposition outside immediate conflict zones. During previous crises, the 25-minute hop has served as the main evacuation corridor for diplomatic staff and energy-sector contractors. Travel-management companies told clients to expect high load factors and premium-cabin sell-outs on the route over the coming days, advising early booking and flexible dates.
![Middle East Airlines cancels 10 Gulf & Iraq sectors, adds extra Beirut–Larnaca service]()
For anyone scrambling to secure the correct paperwork, online visa specialist VisaHQ can expedite Cyprus visa requests and provide real-time entry guidance; its dedicated portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) walks applicants through each step and offers customer support—particularly useful when flight schedules are changing by the hour.
Employers relocating staff through Cyprus should note that on-arrival visa-on-arrival facilities for Lebanese nationals remain suspended; travellers must hold a pre-arranged Schengen-type C visa or a Cypriot multiple-entry visa. MEA said passengers on cancelled services could rebook without penalties or claim full refunds, but warned that further changes were possible “subject to the evolution of the security environment”.
For anyone scrambling to secure the correct paperwork, online visa specialist VisaHQ can expedite Cyprus visa requests and provide real-time entry guidance; its dedicated portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) walks applicants through each step and offers customer support—particularly useful when flight schedules are changing by the hour.
Employers relocating staff through Cyprus should note that on-arrival visa-on-arrival facilities for Lebanese nationals remain suspended; travellers must hold a pre-arranged Schengen-type C visa or a Cypriot multiple-entry visa. MEA said passengers on cancelled services could rebook without penalties or claim full refunds, but warned that further changes were possible “subject to the evolution of the security environment”.
