BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi all,
I'm trying to fly to Ethiopia, and the cheapest flight I can find is a BMED flight that goes Heathrow to Addis via Beirut.. Couple questions.
1. Any problems transiting in Beirut for an hour with the current situation?
2. Do I need a visa to layover there?
3. Has anyone ever flown BMED airlines? They say they are an "independent franchise" of BA.. whatever that means..
Thanks!

The only reason you would run into trouble is if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport.

1. I haven't been to Lebanon, but have visited neighbouring Syria, and, since I rather love the region, I do follow middle eastern developments fairly closely. The "current situation" is an isolated conflict at one refuge camp in the north of the country. Even the usually overcautious US state department hasn't issued any new warnings as a result of the siege. I would be unconcerned in Beirut, and even less concerned if you don't intend to leave the airport, which will be very secure. Since you're going to Ethiopia anyway, you're obviously not averse to visiting stable parts of a country just because there is armed conflict in other regions.

2. I was unable to find out for certain if you have to clear Lebanese customs if you're just transiting. However, I was able to establish that no advance visa is needed, if you do have to clear customs, you buy a stamp on the spot, aparently the current price for a 15-day visa is $17US.

3. No, I haven't flown with them. A bit more research finds that they're an independantly owned company, but have a partnership with BA, which means BA sells BMED tickets; sends any passengers bound to Beirut, Damascus, or Amman on BMED; and licensed their brand for BMED's use.

I wouldn't be worried about the airline...having prestigious partners is a plus, of course, but quite simply, airlines which do not meet European safety standards are not permitted to fly into European airports. Period. This means that their standards for maintenance and pilot training are at respectable levels.

Thanks for responding..I'm not that concerned about flying into Beirut, but my parents are sort of freaking out. That on top of going solo through Africa, I think it might be a bit much for them. The same airline flies to Addis via Alexandra Egypt the following day, and I think I'm just going to do that. Thanks again for such a thorough response.

Funny. I found Egypt to be a lot more dangerous than other middle eastern countries I visited. It's all about perception, I guess.

Thanks 2wanderers.. I realize I'm just transiting, so the chances of something happening are slim, but the UK advises against all but essential travel to Lebanon right now, and they amended their travel warning on June 1. But again, just transiting through the airport I'm sure is fine. I agree, I've heard the same about Egypt, and I'm not even sure how big the airport is in Alexandria. Any idea?

I'd worry more about O'Hare than I would Beirut or Alexandria. You're from Chicago, so as you already know: danger is relative.

Alexandria's airport is round about the size of Pisa's: small. No worries though. Makes for quicker transfers.