Air France Extends Paris-Beirut Flight Suspensions Amid Rising Tensions

Air France and its affiliate Transavia have extended their flight suspensions between Paris and Beirut to at least August 6. This decision comes amid increased regional tensions and security concerns following the recent killing of senior Hamas and Hezbollah members, affecting airlines' routes and operations.

Air France announced on Saturday that it, along with its affiliate Transavia, would extend the suspension of flights between Paris and Beirut until at least August 6, citing escalating regional tensions. The airlines are steering clear of Iranian and Lebanese airspace while cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon due to growing concerns of a potential regional conflict, fueled by the recent assassinations of senior Hamas and Hezbollah members.

The flight suspension initially began last Monday, following a deadly strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 children and teenagers—a strike attributed to Hezbollah by Israel and the United States. Air France extended this suspension on Wednesday, committing to the halt until at least Saturday, August 3, before extending it further.

“Given the security situation, the airline extends its suspension of flights between Paris and Beirut until August 6 included,” read the statement from Air France, which affirmed that the situation in Lebanon is being monitored in real time. The resumption of services will depend on a reassessment of the ground situation,” Air France-KLM added.