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In the wake of the intensifying Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Lebanese expatriates in the UAE are grappling with a daunting challenge: evacuating their loved ones from Lebanon. With flight prices soaring and options dwindling, many face a harrowing decision between safety and financial strain.

The Mounting Crisis

As tensions escalate, Lebanese residents in the UAE describe the situation as “highly volatile”. Their primary concern is the safety of family members still in Lebanon, but evacuating them has become increasingly difficult.

Key challenges include:

1. Limited flight availability
2. Exorbitant ticket prices
3. Risks associated with land travel

Sky-High Ticket Prices

The cost of evacuation has reached unprecedented levels. Some expats report finding one-way, multi-leg journeys from Beirut to Dubai priced at an astounding Dh42,000. Even the more “affordable” options hover around Dh26,890 per seat.

Hamed, a Dubai resident, shared his struggle:

“I need six plane tickets and more than Dh160,000 to bring [my family] out of Lebanon.”

Limited Flight Options

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport remains operational, but with severely reduced capacity. Currently, only Lebanese national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) is running commercial flights.

Several UAE-based airlines have suspended their services:

• Air Arabia: Indefinite suspension of flights from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi
• Emirates and Etihad Airways: No flights until October 8
• Flydubai: Flights cancelled until October 7

Seeking Alternative Routes

With direct flights suspended, many Lebanese expats are exploring alternative evacuation routes. Travel agents report a surge in enquiries about indirect travel options.

Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, noted:

“People are asking about the possibility of travelling to Dubai from Beirut. They are ready to travel to the neighbouring countries via land and then fly to the UAE.”

Some potential routes include:

1. Crossing into Syria and flying with Cham Wings Airlines to Sharjah
2. Flying to Amman, Jordan, before continuing to the UAE

The Dilemma: Evacuate or Stay?

While many are desperately seeking evacuation options, others advise their families to remain in place for now. The decision is fraught with emotional and practical considerations.

Akmal B, a 34-year-old Lebanese expat in Abu Dhabi, expressed his concerns: “Flying my parents out now feels very risky, especially with the situation on the ground remaining highly volatile that can only go worse quickly.”

Looking Ahead

As the situation continues to evolve, Lebanese expats in the UAE face a period of uncertainty and difficult decisions. While some will pursue evacuation at any cost, others will focus on supporting their families from afar.

For those considering travel to or from Lebanon, it’s crucial to:

1. Monitor the situation closely
2. Check with airlines for the latest flight information
3. Consider alternative travel routes if necessary
4. Prioritise safety above all else

As the international community watches the unfolding events, the plight of Lebanese families separated by conflict serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of regional instability.