Several nations have issued stark travel warnings for Lebanon and airlines cancelled and suspended flights in the wake of a deadly rocket attack on the Golan Heights as major world powers scramble to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah.
The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia have all advised their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately or avoid travel to the country, citing the volatile security situation and the risk of rapid escalation.
The crisis was sparked by a rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 youths over the weekend. While Israel and the US have blamed Hezbollah for the strike, the Lebanese extremist group has denied responsibility. The incident has heightened fears of an imminent Israeli retaliation, potentially targeting Beirut or key infrastructure in Lebanon.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation as “fast-moving” and urged British nationals to “leave Lebanon” and not to travel to the country. The UK Foreign Office warned that events in the region could escalate with “little warning,” potentially disrupting commercial routes out of Lebanon.
The US Embassy in Beirut took to social media to convey its message, with Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter advising Americans in Lebanon to “create a crisis plan of action and leave before the crisis begins.”
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also upgraded its travel advisory to “Do Not Travel” for Lebanon, citing the volatile security situation and the risk of further deterioration. The advisory warns of daily military action in southern Lebanon, including rocket and missile fire, as well as airstrikes, with the potential for conflict to spread quickly to other areas, including Beirut.
India, too, has issued a travel advisory for its citizens, urging Indians in Lebanon or those planning to travel there to exercise caution and maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Beirut.
Flights to Lebanon suspended
The escalating tensions have already begun to impact travel in the region. Jordan’s flag carrier, Royal Jordanian, has suspended flights to and from Beirut until at least Tuesday, joining other airlines in cancelling or postponing flights.
Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), has also adjusted its schedule, with some evening flights now pushed to the following morning.
Several European carriers also cancelled or delayed flights as a direct result of the Golan Heights attack. Aegean Airlines, Air France, Swiss International Airlines, Lufthansa, and Eurowings were among them.
“Due to the current developments in the Middle East, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group have decided to suspend their flights to Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport up to and including August 5,” Lufthansa said on Monday. “A total of five rotations will be removed from the flight programme.”
As diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a wider conflict, the US is reportedly focusing on constraining Israel’s response, urging against strikes on densely populated areas of Beirut or critical infrastructure. However, the situation remains highly unpredictable, with the potential for rapid escalation that could leave travellers stranded or in danger.
The crisis has broader implications for regional stability, with at least 481 people killed in Lebanon since October 7, including 94 civilians, according to an AFP tally. On the Israeli side, at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have died in the ongoing violence.
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