Travelers are seen departing from Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon on the 29th. Several countries have issued warnings advising their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately or avoid traveling there as tensions escalate between Israel and Lebanon.
According to the Financial Times on the 29th, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter warned her country’s citizens in Lebanon through a video message to “develop a crisis plan and leave before the crisis begins.” She emphasized, “If unable to use airplanes, those already in Lebanon should be prepared to evacuate and stay there for an extended period.”
Earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut posted on its website a travel advisory stating, “Lebanon’s security environment remains complex and rapidly changing. The embassy urges U.S. citizens to review the current travel advisory for Lebanon and consider deferring travel.” The embassy also urged airlines operating flights to and from Lebanon to make necessary adjustments and consider alternatives.
The German Foreign Ministry also, through a spokesperson, stated, “Utilize all available options for leaving Lebanon urgently.” Spokesperson Sebastian Fischer urged, “We urge all Germans to leave Lebanon while there is still time. This is not a joke. If regional conflicts erupt, the situation will become very difficult.”
British Foreign Secretary David Lamey also announced, “I recommend that British citizens leave Lebanon and do not travel to the country. The situation is rapidly changing.”
Norway, Ireland, and other countries have also urged their citizens to evacuate Lebanon and refrain from traveling there.
On the 27th, a rocket struck a football field in the Golan Heights of northern Lebanon, under Israeli occupation, killing 12 children and injuring dozens. Israel pinned the blame on Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian armed group in Lebanon, and threatened retaliation.
As a result, airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Middle East Airlines have been canceling or adjusting flights to Lebanon.