Middle East Airlines
Lebanon’s full-service flag carrier, linking Beirut with destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa through a compact regional network.
About Middle East Airlines
Middle East Airlines – Air Liban, commonly known as MEA, is Lebanon’s national airline. Founded in 1945, it has developed into one of the country’s most internationally visible companies and is majority-owned by Banque du Liban, Lebanon’s central bank. Although sometimes grouped with value-oriented regional carriers, MEA operates as a full-service airline, using the cedar tree as the central element of its identity and aircraft livery.
MEA’s primary hub is Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, from which it serves 27 destinations across 21 countries on 64 routes. Its network focuses on important commercial and cultural links between Lebanon and Europe, the Middle East, West Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. Notable destinations include Paris, Brussels, Athens, Larnaca, Amman, Baghdad, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Lagos and Accra.
Aircraft associated with its operations include Airbus A319, A320, A321, A330-200 and A340-300 variants, alongside Boeing 737-700, 777-200/200ER and 777-300ER types. The Airbus narrow-body family is suited to regional and European services, while larger wide-body aircraft can support longer sectors. MEA generally provides Economy Class and Business Class, with the precise seat, entertainment and meal offering varying by aircraft and route.
Middle East Airlines has been a member of the SkyTeam alliance since 2012, giving eligible passengers access to connecting itineraries and reciprocal benefits across participating airlines. Its loyalty programme is Cedar Miles, through which members can earn and redeem miles and qualify for tier-based privileges. Benefits depend on membership status, fare conditions and the operating carrier, so travellers should verify eligibility when booking codeshare or partner flights.
MEA’s principal strength is its focused Beirut network, which offers useful nonstop links for travellers visiting Lebanon or connecting between Lebanon and major regional capitals. Its relatively compact schedule can also be a challenge: some destinations may have limited frequencies, leaving fewer alternatives when disruption occurs. Travellers making separate-ticket connections should therefore allow generous transfer time and review rebooking conditions before departure.
Good to know
Flying with Middle East Airlines — what to expect
Full-Service Flying
MEA generally includes more traditional onboard service than a low-cost carrier, although inclusions still depend on the route, cabin and fare purchased.
Check Baggage Terms
Cabin and checked-baggage allowances vary by fare and itinerary. Confirm the allowance shown on your ticket, especially when another airline operates part of the journey.
Beirut Connections
Beirut is the centre of MEA’s network. Leave ample connection time because limited frequencies on some routes can reduce same-day alternatives after a delay.
SkyTeam Benefits
Eligible SkyTeam frequent flyers may receive benefits such as priority services or lounge access. Entitlements depend on status, itinerary and operating carrier.
Aircraft May Vary
Cabin layout, seat features and entertainment can differ between narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. Check the scheduled aircraft close to departure, while remembering that substitutions remain possible.
Network overview
Where Middle East Airlines flies
Middle East Airlines operates 64 routes to 27 destinations across 21 countries, its longest sector reaching Beirut to Lagos (4,485 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Middle East Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Beirut → Lagos
4,485 km · BEY → LOS
The longest sector in the Middle East Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Middle East Airlines
Notable destinations on Middle East Airlines's network.
MEBeirutdirectMELagosdirectMEAbu DhabidirectMEAccradirectMEAmmandirectMEDohadirectMELarnacadirectMEParisdirectMEAthensdirectMEBaghdaddirectMEBrusselsdirectMEBucharestdirectDestination list is indicative of Middle East Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Lebanon
Other airlines based in Lebanon
FAQ
Middle East Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Beirut is the airline’s busiest departure hub by route count, followed by Amman, Abu Dhabi, Paris and Doha.
- Middle East Airlines serves 27 destinations across 21 countries, operating 64 routes.
- Middle East Airlines connects Beirut with cities across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. Destinations include Paris, Athens, Brussels, Larnaca, Amman, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Baghdad, Lagos and Accra.
- The longest route is Beirut to Lagos, covering about 4,485 km nonstop.
- Fares are often lower outside major holidays and peak summer travel periods to Lebanon. Comparing flexible dates and booking ahead can help, but prices depend on demand and route availability.
- Middle East Airlines is based at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, its primary hub and busiest departure point.
- Carry-on limits depend on the cabin, fare and operating airline. Travellers should check the allowance stated on their booking and MEA’s current baggage page before departure.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.