L'espoir des Libanais de passer l'été à la maison obscurci par la hausse des coûts des vols et les craintes de guerre

Lebanese hopes of returning home during the summer have been increasingly complicated by soaring flight costs and lingering anxieties over regional conflicts. For many members of the country's large diaspora, annual visits to Lebanon are cherished occasions, often involving long-awaited reunions and celebrations. However, this year, these plans have been overshadowed by financial strain and uncertainty. The surge in airfare has made travel home prohibitively expensive for several individuals. Stephanie, a 32-year-old working with an NGO in Lyon, planned to spend her August vacation in Beirut. To manage the cost, she traveled to Switzerland to secure a direct flight via Middle East Airlines (MEA), typically priced at around €800. This time, however, the minimum fare was listed at €1,200. “Although it's the high season, I've never seen anything this expensive,” she remarked. Many flights were already sold out three weeks in advance, adding to the frustration. MEA, the national carrier, attributed the increased pricing to the summer high season. Despite having a monopoly on direct routes to major cities like London, a key transit hub for the Lebanese diaspora, high fares were also noted on budget airlines. A Pegasus flight through Istanbul, for instance, came to approximately €850, excluding luggage, and required a 10-hour layover. These figures reflect broader trends in the aviation sector, where demand has surged amid limited capacity and heightened geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has further exacerbated the situation. Strikes near Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport have raised safety concerns, prompting a sharp rise in insurance premiums. According to MEA chairman Mohamad El Hout, the 2023 Hamas-led attack in Gaza, followed by Lebanon's involvement in the conflict, has cut war-risk insurance coverage for the airline by roughly 80 percent. This reduction has significantly contributed to the increase in ticket prices, as insurers pass on the additional costs to consumers. For some, the financial burden has become insurmountable. Jad, a 29-year-old engineer based in southern France, described the cost of an MEA round-trip ticket as equivalent to half his monthly salary. “Flying with other airlines would involve an extensive layover, cost nearly as much and consist of early departures and late arrivals,” he explained. Compounding these challenges is the unpredictable nature of flight operations due to Israeli attacks. “Instead of going back home to see my mum and attend my friend's wedding, I ended up frustrated, missing out on important moments in the life of my family and friends,” he added. In response, he opted for a trip to the United States, citing the relative affordability compared to traveling to Beirut. Despite the difficulties, some remain undeterred. Architect Grace Dergham, 29, emphasized the irreplaceable value of reconnecting with loved ones and experiencing the unique atmosphere of summer in Lebanon. “You can put a price on a plane ticket, but you can't put a price on seeing your family and spending time in the country that will always feel like home,” she said. For her, the season represents more than just a holiday, it is a time of renewal and connection. Similarly, Beirut shop owner Hammoudi Al Ayan, 38, has faced similar dilemmas. With 11 siblings scattered across the globe, including relatives in Nigeria and Australia, his family has postponed their traditional summer gathering. “It is because of the security situation,” he stated, as a drone hovered overhead in the Achrafieh district. Originally from the southern village of Jwaaya, which has been affected by the conflict, he expressed deep concern over the risks associated with travel. His decision underscores the growing impact of regional instability on personal and familial ties.