About Middle East Airlines
Middle East Airlines is Lebanon's national carrier and a legacy airline in every sense — think full-service model, not a budget operation. Its main hub is BEY, Beirut-Rafic Hariri International, where 32 of its 70 non-stop routes originate. The network spreads across a combined 142,610 km, with secondary hubs in Abidjan, Lagos, and Rome giving it a surprisingly strong West Africa and Mediterranean presence. This isn't a massive carrier, but it punches above its weight for connecting the Levant region to Europe and Africa, and it's been doing so for decades.
Why fly Middle East Airlines?
If you're routing through or to Lebanon, ME is often your most direct option — there's no real competition for those 32 BEY routes. The West Africa angle is genuinely underrated. The ABJ-BEY route at 5,156 km is their longest, and having Abidjan and Lagos as secondary hubs means Lebanese diaspora communities across Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria have solid connectivity back home. As a full-service carrier, you're getting checked bags, meals, and a real seat — not a stripped-back experience. For travelers connecting between West Africa and the Middle East without wanting a European layover, ME fills a gap that few airlines bother with.
Middle East Airlines hub airports
- BEY Beirut — 32 Middle East Airlines routes from Lebanon
- ABJ Abidjan — 3 Middle East Airlines routes from Cote d'Ivoire
- LOS Lagos — 2 Middle East Airlines routes from Nigeria
- FCO Rome — 2 Middle East Airlines routes from Italy
- ACC Accra — 2 Middle East Airlines routes from Ghana
Top destination countries on Middle East Airlines
- Lebanon — 32 Middle East Airlines routes
- Italy — 4 Middle East Airlines routes
- Cote d'Ivoire — 3 Middle East Airlines routes
- Iraq — 3 Middle East Airlines routes
- Saudi Arabia — 3 Middle East Airlines routes
- Ghana — 2 Middle East Airlines routes
- Nigeria — 2 Middle East Airlines routes
- United Arab Emirates — 2 Middle East Airlines routes
Tips for booking Middle East Airlines
Book directly through ME's site and check fare class conditions carefully before committing — legacy carriers like this often have strict change fees on cheaper buckets. BEY is your strongest connection point with 32 routes, so if you're building an itinerary through Lebanon, that's where you want to anchor. The Rome FCO hub offers two routes, which can work well for European travelers looking to avoid a British or Gulf hub. For the ABJ and LOS hubs, check seasonal schedules — frequency on those 2-3 route operations can be limited. Always confirm baggage allowances upfront, especially on the West Africa segments where policies can differ from the mainline routes.
Frequently asked questions about Middle East Airlines
Where does Middle East Airlines fly?
Middle East Airlines operates 70 routes across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, with top destinations including Lebanon, Italy, and Côte d'Ivoire. The airline connects major cities across these regions, serving both regional and international markets.
What is Middle East Airlines's main hub?
Middle East Airlines's primary hub is Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) in Lebanon, which serves as the airline's main operational and connecting center.
Is Middle East Airlines a legacy carrier, low-cost airline, or regional carrier?
Middle East Airlines is a regional full-service carrier that operates a balanced network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa with a focus on regional connectivity and international routes.
When should I book Middle East Airlines flights and what fare classes are available?
It's generally recommended to book 4-6 weeks in advance for better fares. Middle East Airlines typically offers multiple fare classes with varying inclusions; check their website for specific details on economy and premium cabin options available on your route.
What are Middle East Airlines's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by fare class and route. Visit Middle East Airlines's official website or contact their customer service for specific details on baggage limits, carry-on policies, and online or airport check-in options for your booking.