.jpg){kind=logo}
Access selected deals available with budget and full-service airlines
Lock any airfare that sounds great. You don’t lose anything if you cancel it
Call us anytime for any assistance. We do not go into hibernation
Your personal and financial information stays secure with us
Middle East Airlines – Air Liban S.A.L. (MEA), Lebanon’s flag carrier, is headquartered near Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) in Beirut, Lebanon. Founded on May 31, 1945, by Saeb Salam and Fawzi El-Hoss with BOAC support, MEA commenced operations on January 1, 1946, flying de Havilland Dragon Rapides from Beirut to Nicosia. Today, MEA operates a modern fleet of 22 Airbus aircraft, serving 33 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and West Asia, including London, Paris, Dubai, and Lagos. As a SkyTeam member since 2012, MEA carried 1.5 million passengers in 2024, generating $600 million in revenue. Known for its Cedar Class (Business) and Economy cabins, Lebanese hospitality, and the Cedar Miles program, MEA holds a Skytrax 4-Star rating (2023) but faces criticism for delays and customer service. Despite challenges like the Lebanese Civil War and 2020’s COVID-19 disruptions, MEA remains vital in connecting Lebanon globally, earning recognition for its resilience during the 2024 war.
MEA launched with BOAC-backed de Havilland aircraft, flying to Nicosia in 1946, followed by Iraq, Egypt, and Syria. Douglas DC-merged with Air Liban in 3s joined in 1946, and Pan Am took a stake in 1949, replaced by BOAC (1955) and Air France (1963 merger with Air Liban). Comet jets arrived in 1960, and Boeing 747s served London–New York routes (1983–1985). Despite the 1975–1991 civil war, MEA maintained flights. A 1998–2002 restructuring turned $87 million losses (1997) into a $22 million profit by 2003, peaking at $92 million in 2008. Fleet modernization began with A320s (1997) and A330s (2003). In 2012, MEA joined SkyTeam. COVID-19 closed BEY in March 2020, but MEA operated repatriation flights to 27 African destinations. In 2024, MEA sustained operations during Lebanon’s war, earning a French ambassador’s recognition
MEA operates from BEY’s Terminal 1, serving 33 destinations, including 10 in Europe (e.g., Frankfurt, Geneva), 15 in the Middle East (e.g., Riyadh, Doha), 5 in Africa (e.g., Abidjan, Cairo), and 3 in West Asia (e.g., Baghdad, Yerevan). It operates 300 weekly flights with an 82% load factor. SkyTeam membership enables codeshares with Air France, KLM, and Qatar Airways, extending reach to 1,150 destinations. Popular routes include Beirut–Dubai (14 weekly) and Beirut–London (7 weekly). Cargo services transport perishables in temperature-controlled holds. On-time performance is 78%, but delays are noted. During 2024’s conflict, MEA adjusted schedules but maintained critical routes.