Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced a halt to all flights to Lebanon until February 18 due to a request from Lebanese officials citing security concerns. Protests erupted at Beirut Airport over the refusal of landing rights for an Iranian plane, leading to clashes and disruptions. The situation remains complex with diplomatic disagreements over flight arrangements and regional security issues.
On Sunday, the head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, Hossein Pour Farzaneh, announced the suspension of Iranian flights to Lebanon until February 18, following a request from Lebanese authorities. Pour Farzaneh cited unspecified security concerns in Beirut and the suspension of international flights as reasons for this decision, which halts the transport of Iranian passengers to Lebanon during this period.
In response to Israel’s potential threats regarding Iranian flights, Pour Farzaneh claimed he had not been informed about such threats. However, he referenced official correspondence from Lebanon as the basis for the suspension of flights. The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization pledged to monitor the situation daily to facilitate a resolution.
Protests erupted when demonstrators blocked access to Beirut Airport in response to the Lebanese government denying landing rights to an Iranian plane carrying Lebanese passengers. These protests led to significant disruptions across Beirut, culminating in demonstrations near the airport and clashes where security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds.
Despite the turmoil, Iran rejected Lebanon’s proposal to use two Middle East Airlines planes to evacuate stranded Lebanese citizens from Tehran, stating that flights between Lebanon and Iranian airlines should not be curtailed. Iranian Ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, welcomed Lebanese airlines but underlined that this should not result in the cancellation of Iranian flights to Lebanon.
In summary, the suspension of Iranian flights to Lebanon stems from security concerns expressed by Lebanese authorities amidst escalating protests over aviation access. While Iranian officials are monitoring the situation closely, tensions remain high due to the overlapping issues of flight cancellations and regional security threats. Protests indicate significant public pressure surrounding these aviation developments, affecting travel plans between Iran and Lebanon.
Original Source: shafaq.com
