Lebanon Marks 70 Years of Beirut-London MEA Flight Service at London Embassy

Lebanon's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Farah Berri, organized a dinner at the Lebanese Embassy in London to commemorate seven decades since Middle East Airlines (MEA) launched its Beirut-London Heathrow route. The event was attended by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Faiz Rassamni, and MEA's Chairman and General Manager, Mohammad Al-Hout.

The celebration also included the presence of British Ambassador Hamish Cowell, John Hayes, Chair of the British Parliamentary Group for Lebanon, London Council member Bassam Mahfouz, Joanna Tasso, Aviation Affairs Director at London Heathrow Airport, Captain Mohammad Aziz, head of Lebanon's General Civil Aviation Authority, along with senior officials, aviation sector partners, representatives from travel and tourism, and members of the Lebanese community residing in London.

This occasion highlighted seventy years of uninterrupted air service between Beirut and London, reflecting the deep historical, economic, cultural, and tourism ties linking Lebanon and the United Kingdom.

In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Berri emphasized the significance of this anniversary as a symbol of Lebanese resilience, unity, and perseverance. She noted that "while Lebanon continues to face daily Israeli attacks and challenges, events like this demonstrate the strength and determination of the Lebanese people to preserve their unity and national achievements." She also praised Middle East Airlines for becoming one of the leading carriers in the region and serving as an ambassador for Lebanon worldwide.

Drawing from her personal experience as a former legal advisor to the airline, Berri described MEA as "an institution that has connected Lebanon to the world through decades of challenges and changes, becoming a symbol of Lebanon’s ability to endure, adapt, and progress."

MEA Chairman and General Manager Mohammad Al-Hout reviewed the history of the Beirut-London Heathrow route, which "started in 1956 and has since become one of the company’s most important international lines." He expressed gratitude to Ambassador Farah Berri for her generous hosting and to Minister Faiz Rassamni and his wife Asma Rassamni for traveling to London specifically to participate in sponsoring the celebration.

Al-Hout recalled the longstanding historic cooperation between Middle East Airlines and the British aviation sector, highlighting the route’s role in connecting families, businesses, and communities between the two countries. He reaffirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to keeping Lebanon connected to the world, saluting the successive generations of employees and partners who contributed to the airline’s success. He renewed MEA’s dedication to maintaining safety standards, reliability, and service quality as it looks ahead.

Representing Heathrow Airport, Joanna Tasso congratulated Middle East Airlines on this achievement, noting the airline’s important role in strengthening the links between London and Beirut. She underscored the significance of the longstanding partnership between Heathrow and MEA and expressed confidence that this successful collaboration will continue for many years to come.

Minister Faiz Rassamni praised Middle East Airlines’ accomplishments over the past seventy years and its prominent contribution to enhancing Lebanon-UK relations. He commended Mohammad Al-Hout for his distinguished leadership and notable achievements despite numerous challenges, applauding his vision, dedication, and ongoing commitment to the company’s success and development. Rassamni also lauded the airline’s resilience and professionalism, emphasizing its established role as Lebanon’s national carrier connecting the country with the world.

The minister stressed the importance of effective cooperation between the public and private sectors, considering Middle East Airlines a successful model of this partnership. He pointed out that thanks to the company’s efforts, Rafic Hariri International Airport has continued to serve as Lebanon’s main gateway to the world. He also highlighted MEA’s pivotal role in advancing the aviation sector and its ongoing collaboration with the state to improve airport infrastructure and services.

Rassamni explained that the airline has played a key role in supporting and implementing numerous modernization and development projects, which helped maintain the airport’s status as Lebanon’s gateway to the world and enhanced the travel experience for passengers.

He reiterated Lebanon’s national commitment to reclaim every inch of southern territory, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty, stability, and reconstruction efforts in supporting the country’s sustainable development and prosperity.

The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to continue strengthening the historic and solid relations between Lebanon and the United Kingdom. The event included an exchange of commemorative gifts and the cutting of a special cake marking seventy years of continuous air service between Beirut and London Heathrow.