Lebanon extends suspension of flights with Iran

BEIRUT

Lebanon said Monday that the suspension of flights to and from Iran has been extended.

A presidency statement said the minister of public works and transport has been assigned “to extend the suspension period of flights to and from Iran.”

“Strict directives have been given to military and security forces to prevent any leniency or tolerance in ensuring that the airport road remains open and public property is protected,” it added.

The extension followed a meeting between President Joseph Aoun and ministers to discuss the situation around the Beirut airport following protests by Hezbollah supporters.

According to the statement, Foreign Minister Youssef Raji was tasked with “following up on diplomatic contacts to address the issue of air travel between Tehran and Beirut and to secure the return of Lebanese passengers still in Iran."

On Thursday, Lebanon prevented an Iranian plane from landing at Beirut airport, triggering protests from supporters of the Hezbollah group.

The ban came after the Israeli army accused Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force of using civilian aircraft to smuggle funds for Hezbollah via the airport.