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Beirut International Airport Closed

13th July 2006 Beirut International Airport will remain closed for at least 48 hours after Israeli warplanes bombed the runways early this morning. Three missiles are reported to have hit runways at the country's only international airport, forcing its closure.

"The airport will be partly operational within 48 hours, but reopening the airport is a political decision that will be decided by the cabinet," said Lebanon's Transport Minister, Mohamad Safadi.

Civil aviation authorities said at least five aircraft had been diverted to Larnaca, Cyprus, which is one of the closest airports to Beirut.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth office have advised against all but essential travel to Lebanon. A statement on their website reads:

"Following the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers on the border between Israel and Lebanon on 12 July 2006, and the subsequent Israeli strikes on sites across Lebanon, we are advising against all but essential travel to the country. We also advise against all travel to areas of southern Lebanon south of a line between Tyre and Marjayoun and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Both runways of Beirut airport are currently closed as result of Israeli air strikes and there is a naval blockade of all the ports.

If you are currently in Lebanon you should exercise caution, keep in touch with the Embassy and heed local advice. We are keeping the situation under close review."

Further Information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5175160.stm
http://www.fco.gov.uk/

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