Iranian ambassador to Lebanon says working on resumption of flights
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The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon says his country is working on the resumption of air travel to Beirut amid restrictions on Iranian planes entering the country.
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Lebanese protesters burn tires to block a road link to the international airport during a protest against statements made by US Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East peace Morgan Ortagus in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 (AP)
Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani announced efforts to restore Iranian and Lebanese airline flights to their previous schedule, expressing hope that the issue would soon be resolved through a "wise decision by the Lebanese government."
In an interview with Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Amani addressed the recent controversy surrounding an Iranian flight that was scheduled to land in Beirut on Thursday, affirming that Tehran welcomed Lebanese airline operations but "not at the expense of canceling Iranian flights."
He revealed that the Lebanese government had revoked permits for two weekly flights from Iran to Beirut, coinciding with claims by Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, who alleged that the flights were carrying "illegal cargo."
Amani noted that Lebanon had requested a change of aircraft for the Iranian flight and stressed that Iran's approval of such a measure depended on ensuring that Iranian flights would not face further obstacles.
He added that the situation had sparked anger among the Lebanese public, who viewed it as an attempt to prevent Iranian nationals from attending the funeral ceremony of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on February 23.
Meanwhile, the director of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, Saeed Chalendari, confirmed that flights to Beirut remain suspended, as Lebanon has not granted permission for their resumption.
Chalendari stated that Iran’s Mahan Air had scheduled flights to Beirut, but Lebanese authorities had yet to issue the necessary clearance. Iran's Civil Aviation Organization is currently working to obtain the required approvals.
In the meantime, Al Mayadeen reported that Iranian authorities provided accommodations for stranded Lebanese passengers after the Iranian flight was denied entry into Beirut.
Protests erupt in Beirut
Lebanese protesters blocked the road to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Thursday evening in response to the refusal to allow an Iranian plane to land, leaving its Lebanese passengers stranded in Tehran.
During the demonstration, youths set tires on fire at the airport entrance, while the Lebanese army worked to facilitate movement to and from the airport and attempted to restore order, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported.
The director of Imam Khomeini Airport in Iran stated that the Iranian plane had not been permitted to fly to Beirut and noted that the Civil Aviation Organization was currently handling the matter to facilitate the flight as soon as possible.
Calls to protest and block the airport road spread across social media, condemning the decision.
A Lebanese citizen stranded at Tehran airport addressed the Lebanese authorities after their flight was prevented from returning to Beirut, saying, "Our bags contain sweets and clothes," urging the Lebanese president, parliament speaker, and prime minister to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Commenting on the matter, MP Ibrahim al-Mousawi pointed out that "the Israeli enemy’s persistent violations of Lebanese sovereignty, coupled with the complicity of the international community—particularly the United States—have emboldened it to expand and diversify its aggressions."
