Lebanon’s flag carrier to increase flights following cease-fire with Israel

By Anadolu staff

BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanon's national carrier announced that it would increase flights beginning Thursday and fully resume regular schedule operations by Dec. 12, following the implementation of an Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire.

“Our flight schedule will return to normal starting Dec.12,” the Middle East Airlines (MEA) said in a statement on Wednesday.

It added that from Nov. 28 to Dec. 3, the company will operate 32 additional flights and increase aircraft capacity to over 30 destinations.

Since the escalation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon began on Sept. 23, the airline adjusted its operations, canceling or rescheduling flights and reducing aircraft capacity.

These changes were made to mitigate insurance risks for flights between Lebanon and international destinations.

A cease-fire agreement took effect between Lebanon and Israel early Wednesday to end over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah group.

According to the terms of the cease-fire, Israel will withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line in a phased manner while the Lebanese army deploys its forces in southern Lebanon within a period that doesn't exceed 60 days.

Over 3,800 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon and over 1 million displaced since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

No official comment has been issued by Hezbollah, but the group has effectively adhered to the cease-fire, refraining from any attacks on Israeli targets since it took effect.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio