Fly Beirut: MEA’s bid to make Beirut affordable again

Lebanon’s flag carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), is launching a low-cost subsidiary, Fly Beirut, set to begin operations in 2027. Unveiled during MEA’s 80th anniversary, the move aims to offer cheaper travel from Beirut to the region and Europe, modernize the fleet, and revive parts of Lebanon’s aviation infrastructure.

MEA expects six aircraft to be delivered in 2026, two more in 2027, and one in 2028 as part of a nine-aircraft orderbook. As MEA Chairman Mohamad El Hout explained, “The narrow‑body aircraft has the capability to fly for nine hours and this will allow us to open new markets, in Africa particularly.”

MEA’s timing reflects several factors:

Market demand: Passenger growth is expected to rebound, and a low-cost arm lets MEA compete on price-sensitive routes, serving Lebanese diaspora and regional leisure travellers.

Fleet flexibility: New aircraft like the A321XLR enable profitable service on secondary European routes with denser seating and ancillary revenue.

Symbolic timing: Announcing the plan during its 80th anniversary underscores MEA’s commitment to connectivity and more affordable fares.

El Hout also highlighted the broader development plans: “The Lebanese government is preparing a book of terms for the project and MEA is very interested in this new terminal.” He added, “We expect that phase one of this project will be enough for the next 10 to 15 years. If there is more stability, and more movements, there is a plan for phase two to accommodate 8 million passengers.”

What Fly Beirut might offer travellers

Fly Beirut aims to offer fares significantly lower than current MEA tickets, with some estimates suggesting savings of up to 30% on certain routes. The low-cost model will likely feature no-frills base fares, paid extras like baggage and seat selection, and denser seating to reduce per-passenger costs. MEA leadership emphasizes maintaining safety and service standards while adopting budget-carrier economics.

Launching from Beirut comes with both promise and hurdles. Lebanon’s economic instability, currency fluctuations, and infrastructure gaps create uncertainty around operational costs and passenger demand. Regionally, Fly Beirut will face competition from established low-cost airlines, requiring strategic pricing and route planning. Airspace disruptions and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport’s limited capacity and high handling fees add complexity, making MEA’s planned airport upgrades and a potential second terminal essential to success.

If successful, Fly Beirut could provide cheaper outbound travel for Lebanese residents, boost inbound tourism, and challenge MEA’s near-monopoly, potentially encouraging lower fares and more routes. However, a mismanaged launch risks financial strain, reduced service quality, and political criticism, highlighting the delicate balance MEA must strike between growth, affordability, and operational reliability.

What to watch next

Key developments to follow include regulatory filings and route approvals from the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority, along with any bilateral agreements needed for European or African destinations; aircraft deliveries and leasing contracts, clarifying how many planes will be assigned to Fly Beirut versus MEA’s mainline operations; the Fly Beirut brand launch, including its website, booking rules, and pricing structure; and progress on airport upgrades, such as terminal improvements and maintenance-hub plans.

For Lebanon, a thriving low-cost operation could boost the economy, make travel more accessible, and showcase the country’s ability to innovate and compete in a modern, regional aviation market.