Lebanon’s skies have come under scrutiny. Lebanon’s Civil Aviation Authority just wrapped up a safety audit of its national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), in response to alarming concerns about pilot work conditions. Apparently, flying amidst active airstrikes wasn’t part of the original job description.
The details
The audit, conducted between May 18 and June 1, 2026, delved into claims that MEA crews were pressured into flying near dangerous conflict zones. Pilot organizations had reported that failure to comply with such risky directives resulted in penalties. While initial findings suggest that MEA’s operations are technically compliant, the investigation is far from over.
The backdrop to this turbulent audit is Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis, which kicked off in 2019. With banking losses surpassing $72 billion and currency devaluation akin to a Hollywood disaster movie, Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines remains a critical artery. Despite the regional conflicts and potential hazards, it continues to connect the otherwise isolated country to the world.
Background
