British Airways to fly to Beirut, breaking Israel's air blockade

[Violet_Crumble]

A British airline will fly directly to Beirut on Wednesday in what it said would be a breach of an Israeli air embargo on Lebanon imposed at the start of its war with Hezbollah eight weeks ago.

The announcement by British Airways franchise partner BMED coincided with efforts by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to get Israel to lift its air and sea blockade of Lebanon.

"British Airways/BMED is breaking the air embargo and flying into (Beirut's) Rafik al-Hariri International Airport tonight," the company said in a statement.

BMED's commercial director, Jonathan Grisdale said the airline was resuming flights to Beirut after securing assurances from the British government it was safe to do so.

"The blockade is still in place," Grisdale said, denying that BMED had sought Israel's permission for the flight.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/759498.html

[Kagemusha]

1. Qatar broke it first though.

Just saying.

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. What gives Israel the right to place an embargo?

Where is the United Nations in all this? Or am I being "virulently anti-Semitic" for asking this question?

[Jim__]

3. Good for British Airways!

Given Israel's complete disregard for the international community, it should be treated like a pariah. When it's willing to respect international law, it can be welcomed back into the community.

[breakaleg]

4. absolutely agree.

[Tom Joad]

5. I flew on British Airways on my way to Palestine.

I hope the world does all it can to break the siege against the people of Lebanon, put in place by its aggressor to the south.

[Violet_Crumble]

6. Totally off topic question...

What's the legroom in economy like?

[Tom Joad]

7. I dont know, i didn't go back there.