Iran denied Lebanon’s MEA request for flight landings in Tehran, citing procedural requirements. Hundreds of Lebanese travelers faced delays at Tehran’s airport due to the cancellation of a flight. Protests erupted near Beirut’s airport against the government’s decision, which was accused of violating sovereignty. Hezbollah condemned Israel’s allegations of exploiting Beirut airport for military funding, calling for condemnation of Israeli actions.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority has rejected Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines’ (MEA) request to land two planes in Tehran. They emphasized that the request should go through Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry in accordance with bilateral protocols. MEA’s request was relayed to the Lebanese embassy in Tehran, but a public holiday in Iran may delay further actions.
Due to the absence of landing clearance in Beirut, hundreds of Lebanese passengers were stranded at Tehran’s airport for over four hours following the cancellation of an Iran Air flight to Beirut. An official from Beirut airport confirmed that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport had instructed Mahan Air that two scheduled flights to Beirut would not be allowed to land, with rescheduling unspecified.
In protest against the Lebanese government’s decision to bar flight landings, demonstrators blocked roads near Beirut’s airport, igniting tires and denouncing the action as a breach of national sovereignty. The tension was heightened by an Israeli military spokesperson’s remarks suggesting Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah were using Beirut’s airport to support military operations against Israel.
Hezbollah rejected these accusations, asserting that Israel’s actions constitute escalating violations of Lebanese sovereignty. The group criticized the international community, especially the United States, for complicity in these violations and called for global condemnation, urging international intervention.
The aviation conflict follows a controversial inspection carried out by Lebanese authorities on January 3 of an Iranian plane carrying a diplomatic delegation.
The aviation conflict involving Iran and Lebanon highlights the complexities of bilateral regulations and the resulting implications for air travel. The tension around government decisions reflects deeper issues of sovereignty and international relations. As protesters voice their discontent and Hezbollah responds defiantly, the situation emphasizes the intersection of aviation and geopolitics in the region.
Original Source: shafaq.com
