SWISS Flight to Beirut Turned Back Over Security Concerns

Swiss International Air Lines redirected a flight en route from Zurich to Beirut mid-journey due to uncertainties in Lebanon’s security climate. The flight, carrying 138 passengers along with five crew members, couldn’t return to Zurich on Thursday night and was rerouted to Vienna instead.

The decision came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, making the safety conditions in Lebanon unclear, according to the airline’s spokesperson. The move was made as a precautionary measure to allow for a thorough assessment of the situation.

Once in Vienna, passengers were placed on alternative flights to reach their final destinations. The airline expressed hope for understanding from affected passengers and ensured efforts were made to facilitate their travel promptly.

After evaluating the situation, SWISS chose to continue its flights to both Beirut and Tel Aviv, pledging to keep a close watch on the evolving situation. The airline currently schedules two flights a week from Zurich to Beirut.

This redirection occurs against the backdrop of increasing hostilities between Israel and the Iran-supported Hezbollah, following a significant attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, leading to a conflict in Gaza.

Reports from the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper highlighted growing concerns among SWISS pilots and flight attendants about flying to Tel Aviv, with an increasing number opting out of such flights.

Despite the recent unrest, SWISS had been operating a daily return flight between Zurich and Tel Aviv since the beginning of March, with plans to resume twice-daily flights starting May 5.