Key facts
- Lebanon's aviation regulator conducted a safety audit of Middle East Airlines (MEA).
- Pilot groups raised concerns about flying near airstrikes in Iran.
- Pilot groups also raised concerns about penalties for reporting safety issues.
- MEA stated the audit was a scheduled annual procedure and unrelated to pilot concerns.
- MEA affirmed its strong safety record over the past 60 years.
- MEA provided financial assistance to Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) workers.
Lebanon's aviation regulator has conducted a safety audit of Middle East Airlines (MEA) in response to concerns raised by pilot groups. Pilots expressed apprehension about flying in close proximity to airstrikes in Iran and potential penalties for reporting safety incidents. MEA stated the audit was a pre-scheduled annual procedure, unrelated to the pilot concerns, and highlighted its strong safety record over the last 60 years without a single accident. The airline also noted that flights during hostilities were based on risk assessments developed with the Lebanese government and the Civil Aviation Authority. Concerns have grown due to Israeli strikes near Lebanon's airport, prompting IFALPA to write to the Banque du Liban, MEA's majority shareholder. MEA countered that its chairman's son and the LCAA chairman's son, both captains at MEA, flew during the period. The LCAA head confirmed an audit would occur and dialogue would be initiated. MEA stated the audit confirmed compliance with safety requirements, though the LCAA audit was still being processed. MEA also addressed allegations of punishing pilots for reporting errors, stating training assignments were regulatory requirements and not retaliatory. The airline reported that out of 32,000 flights since the start of 2025, four required review, leading to five pilots being sent for additional training. Pilot groups contacted the SkyTeam alliance, and partners like Air France and Delta Air Lines are monitoring the situation. IFALPA also raised concerns about MEA providing payments to LCAA workers overseeing aviation safety, which MEA stated was financial support coordinated with the government to maintain aviation infrastructure.