Just for information, I can confirm that BMED were back in Beirut with fare- paying passengers on 6th September (following a humanitarian aid flight on 17th August) and that we landed approx 36 hours before the Israeli air embargo was lifted. We had clearance from the Lebanese authorities (I believe we were mentioned in their parliament that day) and the UK Foreign Office, but not from Israel. There were TV cameras and a small welcoming party as we arrived on stand, but it was much lower profile than the events of 17th August and I never saw any of the coverage.
Beirut is an important route for BMED and I think we can proudly boast to being the first European carrier back in, and one of the first few commercial operators to resume scheduled services.
From my logbook:
6/9/06 EGLL 1345 OLBA 1819 G-MEDE LAJ4C(BA6517) PF ILS03
6/9/06 OLBA 1903 HAAB 2338 G-MEDE LAJ4C(BA6517) PNF ILS25L
Here's to happy landings, world peace, and fun trips to Beirut.
George.
Last edited by George Foreman; 3rd Oct 2006 at 04:10.