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Lebanon launches safety audit of Middle East Airlines amid pilot complaints
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Conflict & Security

Lebanon launches safety audit of Middle East Airlines amid pilot complaints

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Lebanon's aviation regulator launched a safety audit of Middle East Airlines due to pilot concerns about flying near airstrikes and facing penalties for reporting safety issues.
  • MEA, the flag carrier, stated it has a strong safety record and that flights during hostilities were based on risk assessments with the aviation authority.
  • The audit follows increased Israeli strikes on Lebanon, raising concerns among global pilot federations about the risks to civilian aircraft in conflict zones.

Lebanon's aviation regulator has initiated a safety audit of Middle East Airlines (MEA) following complaints from pilot groups. These groups expressed concerns that MEA crews were allegedly asked to fly in proximity to airstrikes and faced penalties for reporting safety incidents. The audit scrutinizes the Beirut-based airline, which has maintained air connectivity for Lebanon through periods of war and financial collapse.

While some may think that flying civilian aircraft and passengers in high-risk and conflict zones during war conditions is heroic, we consider this an unconscionable risk.

— Ron HayIFALPA President Ron Hay wrote in a May 12 letter to Lebanon's central bank, explaining the pilot federation's concerns.

MEA has been lauded domestically for its continued operations during regional conflicts, contributing to a struggling economy reliant on tourism and remittances. The airline maintains a robust safety record, asserting that flights during military hostilities adhered to risk assessments developed in conjunction with the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA). However, escalating Israeli strikes near Lebanon's main airport since the start of 2024 have heightened worries among the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA).

The son of the chairman of MEA and the son of the chairman of LCAA are both captains at MEA and flew throughout the period.

— Middle East AirlinesMEA's response to concerns about pilots flying during conflict.

IFALPA President Ron Hay voiced strong disapproval in a letter, calling flights in high-risk conflict zones during wartime "unconscionable." The Lebanese central bank, a majority shareholder in MEA, referred Reuters to the airline for comment. MEA countered that the sons of its chairman and the LCAA chairman were captains who flew during the period in question. The LCAA head, Mohammed Aziz, confirmed an audit would occur and that the authority would engage with MEA regarding the concerns. MEA stated that an LCAA review from May 18 to June 1 confirmed compliance with safety requirements, though Aziz indicated the audit was still being processed and mediation was underway.

The aviation safety audit on MEA and 'engage in a dialogue with MEA to discuss the concerns you stated in your letter.'

— Mohammed AzizLCAA head Mohammed Aziz informed IFALPA of the planned audit and dialogue.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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