Middle East Airlines

Middle East Airlines is Lebanon’s flag carrier operating as a full-service regional airline from Beirut, positioned to serve travelers seeking traditional airline services rather than ultra-low-cost fares. It operates a mix of short- and medium-haul routes out of its Beirut hub and maintains regular international services to nearby regions and into Europe.

The airline is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, which expands its connectivity through partner networks and codeshares; from a traveler’s perspective it behaves like a conventional carrier offering checked baggage allowances, seat classes, and onboard meal service on longer sectors rather than a no-frills low-cost model.

Frequent Flyer Program

Middle East Airlines operates a frequent-flyer program that lets members earn miles on eligible flights and through partner activities, and those miles can be redeemed for award travel and other benefits; as a SkyTeam member you can also earn and redeem across the alliance network. Elite benefits from the airline or from SkyTeam status typically include priority check-in, boarding and lounge access when traveling on eligible tickets. Whether to credit flights to MEA’s program or a SkyTeam partner depends on your existing loyalty balances and the relative award/upgrade value each program offers.

Where Middle East Airlines Flies

Middle East Airlines uses Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) as its main operating base and focuses on connecting Beirut with destinations around the Middle East, the Gulf, parts of North Africa and regular services into Europe. The network is primarily regional and short- to medium-haul with a number of longer international sectors served from BEY; as a SkyTeam member the airline’s routes are complemented by codeshares and alliance connections that extend reach across Europe, Asia and beyond.

Hubs

• Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport · BEY

Aircraft and Cabin Classes

Middle East Airlines operates a short- and medium-haul fleet profile centered on Airbus narrowbodies from the A320 family for regional services and Airbus A330 widebodies on longer international routes. The airline offers a two-class cabin layout on many services with a business-class product that provides extra space, priority services and an upgraded meal service, and an economy cabin for standard seating and onboard service; product specifics can vary by aircraft type and route.

Aircraft types operated: Airbus A320 family, Airbus A320neo family, Airbus A330, Handley Page Hermes, Convair CV-990 Coronado, De Havilland Comet, Avro York, Douglas DC-3, Douglas DC-4, Boeing 720, Vickers Viscount 700, Vickers VC10, Sud Aviation Caravelle, Junkers Ju 52, Junkers Ju 52/3m

Tips for Flying Middle East Airlines

• Check baggage allowances for your specific fare class before booking, as free checked baggage can differ between short regional fares and longer international services.
• Allow extra time at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) for check-in and security during peak periods, especially for international departures.
• If you hold SkyTeam elite status, remember to claim lounge access and other priority services on eligible tickets and at partner lounges.
• Meals and a fuller onboard service are generally provided on medium- and long-haul flights, while short regional sectors may have a more limited service or lighter refreshments.