Beirut to reopen to commercial air traffic in July

(Picture AIN)

Earlier the Public Works Minister had suggested it would re-open from 21 June; but the country's health minister said it could only safely re-open once arrivals on repatriation flights adhered to quarantine measures, likely referring to incidences where repatriates have breached quarantine conditions and spread the virus. Repatriation, military, cargo and medical flights are exempt from the restrictions on air travel.

According to the Prime Minister, once the country’s borders are re-opened, initial air routes will focus on countries in the Arabian Gulf region with low COVID-19 rates, and those which are currently using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to detect the virus. Whilst it has not been confirmed, enhanced safety and biosecurity measures will likely be introduced at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport prior to the resumption of commercial flights.