The President of the Association of Insurance Companies in Lebanon, Assad Mirza, issued a statement announcing that Middle East Airlines (MEA) has never secured insurance with Lebanese insurance companies, despite repeated consultations with the company's chairman. Mirza confirmed that insurance companies have never shirked their responsibilities and have dedicated all their efforts towards anything concerning Lebanon and its interests.
This statement follows the issuance of notices by aviation insurance companies regarding the cancellation of coverage for certain airlines based in Israel and Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict in the region, with some cancellations already taking effect.
Minister of Economy and Trade in the caretaker government, Amin Salam, wrote on X platform: "After reviewing the news about the reduction of insurance coverage for aviation risks, which led to a decrease in flight numbers to only 20%, we had a series of communications with experts on this matter domestically and internationally. Additionally, we have called for an urgent meeting on Monday with the Association of Insurance Companies and all representatives of the insurance sector to discuss the issue and find appropriate solutions to maintain Lebanon's communication with abroad. However, in this reality, we always remind of the role of the Lebanese private sector, especially the insurance sector, which cannot act as other companies have in such conditions. Furthermore, not consulting the relevant regulatory and oversight authorities when signing contracts for public facilities of this size will lead us to the same problem during every crisis. May God protect Lebanon."
Hout, the President of Middle East Airlines, announced yesterday, Friday, that the company will reduce the number of its flights due to changes in insurance coverage, indicating that only eight out of 22 aircraft will operate starting next week because of the changes in the insurance coverage. In further details, Hout explained: "We received a cancellation of insurance notice that takes effect on Sunday, and insurance companies have allowed us to operate flights with a reduction in insurance of 80%."
