Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority rejected Lebanon’s MEA request for landing clearance in Tehran, leading to numerous flight cancellations and passenger disruptions. Protests erupted in Beirut against government actions perceived as a breach of sovereignty. Tensions were further inflamed by Israeli accusations against Iran and Hezbollah, prompting Hezbollah’s denunciation of Israeli activities and a call for global intervention.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority has denied a request from Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) for two aircraft to land in Tehran. Iranian officials emphasized that such requests should be processed through Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry, adhering to existing bilateral regulations. This procedural requirement may prolong the authorization process for MEA, as noted by the Lebanese ambassador in Tehran.
As a result of this situation, many Lebanese passengers found themselves stranded at Tehran’s airport for over four hours due to the cancellation of their scheduled Iran Air flight to Beirut, which lacked the necessary landing clearance. Meanwhile, a Beirut airport official confirmed that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport advised Iran’s Mahan Air that two of its flights to Beirut were denied landing authorization and had to be postponed until the following week.
Protests erupted near Beirut’s airport as demonstrators blocked roads, burned tires, and condemned the government’s decision as a breach of national sovereignty. Tensions were heightened by statements from an Israeli military spokesperson accusing Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah of exploiting the airport for illicit operations against Israel, further complicating the region’s geopolitical landscape.
In response to these claims, Hezbollah dismissed the allegations, asserting that Israel was escalating violations of Lebanese sovereignty while calling out the international community, especially the United States, for complicity in these actions. Hezbollah demanded global condemnation of Israeli activities and urged international intervention in the escalating conflict.
This aviation dispute unfolds shortly after Lebanese authorities inspected an Iranian plane transporting a diplomatic delegation, igniting political controversy and highlighting the fraught dynamics between Lebanon, Iran, and Israel.
In summary, the dispute over flight clearance between Iranian and Lebanese authorities has resulted in significant disruptions and public outcry. The incident has also ignited national protests and has intensified geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning allegations of illicit activities associated with Iran and Hezbollah. Continued scrutiny of aviation regulations and diplomatic interactions in the region appears necessary to address these complexities.
Original Source: shafaq.com
