Flights to Lebanon disrupted amidst fear of regional war

Airlines from the US, Europe and Asia have suspended flights to Israel and Lebanon citing security concerns following recent developments in the Middle East.

Scores of passengers could be seen queuing at Beirut airport’s departure terminal on Saturday after the cancellation of flights bound for Lebanon.

The crowds are due to the end of the high summer season and the cancellation and suspension of international flights into the region, says an airport official.

Concerns about a full-fledged regional war are high after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday, and top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur the day before in Beirut.

The assassinations came following the deaths of children and teenagers killed last week in Majdal Shams, in the Israeli-annexed region of the Golan Heights in Syria.

• Israel says targeted strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah commander linked to Golan Heights deaths

• Flights cancelled to Lebanon as fears of Israel Hezbollah war loom

Israel accused Hezbollah of carrying out the strike, which Hezbollah has denied.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire on an almost daily basis.

Exchanges across the border have caused deaths and the evacuation of tens of thousands from their homes.