Middle East Airlines adds extra Istanbul flights amid regional airspace disruptions

Wednesday 04 March 2026 - 14:31

Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines, has announced additional flights between Beirut and Istanbul as part of temporary adjustments to its schedule this week. The changes come as several countries across the region close their airspace following the escalation of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Lebanon, however, has opted to keep its airspace open.

For the fifth consecutive day since the outbreak of the conflict, the airline has updated its flight program to respond to shifting operational conditions. Among the key measures is the addition of three extra flights departing from Beirut to Istanbul on March 5 at 12:10 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. local time.

In the opposite direction, two flights from Istanbul to Beirut are scheduled for March 5 at 4:10 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., with a third rotation planned for March 6 at 10:05 a.m. All times are indicated according to local time in each city.

Flight rescheduling

In addition to the new Istanbul services, several flights have been rescheduled. The Larnaca–Beirut service originally planned for March 5 has been postponed to March 6, with departure set for 8:00 a.m. local time.

The Cairo–Beirut return flight scheduled for March 5 has also been deferred to March 6, departing at 6:45 a.m. local time.

Morning rotations to Riyadh have experienced delays. The Beirut–Riyadh service initially scheduled for 8:25 a.m. will now depart at 9:40 a.m., while the Riyadh–Beirut return flight has been pushed back from 12:40 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Flights connecting Beirut and Amman have also been adjusted. While certain departure times remain unchanged, some return services have been either advanced or delayed to accommodate operational requirements.

Regional cancellations

The airline has confirmed the cancellation of all flights scheduled for March 5 to and from several regional destinations, including Dubai, Kuwait, Baghdad, Erbil, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Najaf and Dammam, along with their corresponding return services.

Despite the widespread disruptions across the Middle East, MEA stated that its European routes continue to operate as scheduled.

The adjustments highlight the fragile nature of regional air travel amid geopolitical instability, as airlines navigate safety considerations and rapidly evolving airspace restrictions.