According to NNA, Middle East Airlines (MEA) just announced in a statement that it suspended all flights to three Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.
The statement explains that “the suspension of MEA flights [is] temporarily to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the states of Kuwait and Qatar, until further notice.”
This decision was made in light of the new measures taken by a number of countries in an attempt to stop the movement of traveling in order to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The company pointed out that “with the aim of providing maximum support and comfort to passengers, it has decided to exempt all tickets from restrictions and fines related to MEA tickets.”
This includes a refund, re-reservation, or a no-show, noting that “this exemption applies to ME tickets (Middle East Airlines) to all destinations until March 31st, 2020, inclusive.”
The Lebanese airlines invited passengers wishing to inquire “to contact 24 hours a day at the call center: 01 629999 or the hotline number: 1330. They can also contact the company’s sales offices or travel agents for more details.”
The new procedures applied by MEA have been made after the spread of the coronavirus in Saudi Arabia. Kuwait, and Qatar.
According to Worldometer, as of Monday, March 9th, Saudi Arabia has recorded 15 coronavirus cases, Kuwait has confirmed 65, while Qatar has confirmed 18.
Similarly, Lebanon has just announced that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases are 41 patients, four out of the 41 are critical and are receiving the necessary care in the isolation unit, according to the RHUH report.
Early on Monday, a Middle East airplane arrived from Rome at 4:30 pm to Beirut International Airport. Considering the coronavirus outbreak status in Italy, there have been concerns among the Lebanese people.
According to NNA, a medical team was sent by the Ministry of Public Health to attend the airport at the time of the flight’s arrival and conducted thermal checks for all passengers onboard the aircraft.
The medical team did not record any case experiencing symptoms consistent with the coronavirus.
Prior to MEA suspended flights, Beirut International airport has been sterilized as part of the precautionary measures that the administration of the airport is strictly adopting for a period of three months on a daily basis.
