PARIS: Air France and its low-cost subsidiary Transavia France have extended their suspension of flights to Beirut until at least Tuesday, due to ongoing security concerns in the region, parent company Air France-KLM said.
The decision follows heightened tensions and recent military actions between Israel and Hezbollah.
The suspension, initially implemented on Monday, comes after a rocket attack from Lebanon killed 12 people in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. In response, Israel vowed retaliation, leading to a series of escalations. Air France-KLM, the parent company of both airlines, announced the extension of the flight halt as the situation remains volatile.
A spokesperson for Air France-KLM confirmed the extended suspension, stating, “Any resumption of operation will be subject to a renewed evaluation on the ground.” Passengers with existing reservations are being offered the option to rebook their flights at no additional cost.
The situation further deteriorated after Israel conducted an airstrike on a Hezbollah stronghold in south Beirut on Tuesday evening. The strike targeted a senior Hezbollah commander believed to be responsible for the rocket attack on the Golan Heights, escalating fears of further conflict.
On Saturday, Iran announced that it expects Hezbollah to target deeper into Israel, moving beyond military sites in retaliation. This prediction comes as Hezbollah and Israeli forces continue their near-daily exchanges of fire.
Meanwhile, German carrier Lufthansa has announced its suspension of flights to Beirut until August 5.
