Middle East Airlines: Debunking the Monopoly Myth

“Lebanon Debate”

Middle East Airlines is currently facing a significant campaign aimed at undermining its longstanding exclusivity in Lebanese aviation. This campaign, driven by political and investment agendas, seeks to portray the company's exclusivity as monopolistic control over routes from Beirut airport.

Monopoly implies preventing any other airline from operating on the same routes from Beirut. However, figures and data contradict this accusation. According to aviation experts, Middle East Airlines accounts for only 38% of round-trip traffic to and from Beirut airport, with the remaining 62% handled by other airlines.

Sources argue that claims of Middle East Airlines dominating the market are unfounded. Citizens traveling to destinations like Dubai have choices, including Emirates Airlines and Middle East Airlines. Similarly, Turkish Airlines offers flights to Turkey, providing travelers with ample options. Where is the monopoly?

Accurate information reveals that Middle East Airlines collaborates with 34 foreign carriers, including 19 low-cost airlines.

A comparison of flight numbers shows that Middle East Airlines operates fewer flights to Beirut compared to national carriers of other countries like the UAE, Germany, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait. This data refutes allegations of monopoly against the company.

Despite legally holding exclusivity, Middle East Airlines has managed a turnaround from losses exceeding $700 million over the past two decades to current profits exceeding $1.4 billion, with substantial assets valued at nearly $1 billion.

Sources emphasize the importance of protecting and preserving Middle East Airlines' commercial standing to shield it from potential penalties or operational challenges.

!الإحتكار تهمة باطلة... الميدل ايست تشكّل 38% من حجم حركة الطائرات