Fly Beirut takes off next year
with seven first destinations

MEA to expand network, fleet,

and perhaps invest in a second terminal

Fly Beirut, the budget-friendly subsidiary of Middle East Airlines (MEA) is scheduled to launch flights in June 2027 utilizing a grid linking Beirut with seven domestic and European destinations. Projected to serve as the initial locations are Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Istanbul, and Paris.

The upcoming carrier intends to debut with five Airbus A320 planes, Said Mohamad El Hout, the Chairman. MEA plans to enlarge its itinerary calendar this upcoming season. It intends to commence traveling to Berlin near the end of June and toward Amsterdam in July.

MEA anticipates receiving its inaugural Airbus A330-900 (Neo) airplanes in September. An additional trio of arrivals shall come next, though they are tracking after their expected timeline and were initially expected toward the start of this current year. The final unit shall arrive in 2028. They are all propelled utilizing Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 machinery. They intend to be substitutes for the current aging A330 planes. MEA will also receive its initial A321 XLR during November and intends to utilize that model to pioneer fresh markets across Africa. Numerous options are being considered including Kinshasa.

“Up to this point we are not planning to operate out of Kleyat René Mouawad airfield,” El Hout said.

Arrangements are progressing to construct a secondary concourse at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. The $500 million facility will feature accommodation for five million travelers, and State officials are drafting guidelines for the project. “We have communicated to the administration our willingness to participate in the project, including providing funding,” he said.