El-Hout to MTV: New Airline in 2027, and Ticket Prices Have Not Increased
11/20/2025 10:43:20 PM
Middle East Airlines (MEA) Chairman and Director General Mohammad El-Hout stressed in an interview on MTV’s Sar el Waet that the national carrier “leaves no space for sectarianism and is grounded in national unity,” noting that some of the toughest decisions he ever faced were “laying off extra staff and increasing the productivity of pilots and ground crews.”
El-Hout described the July War as "a difficult chapter," especially after the airport runway was struck. “Among the tough decisions I made were flying over Syrian airspace, as well as deciding to continue operating during the support war,” he added.
The MEA chief praised the dedication of the airline’s employees under fire. “I honor the courage of the pilots and all MEA employees during the war,” he said. “The company’s true value lies in its people, and today it is worth more than 1.7 billion dollars.”
El-Hout emphasized that “we cannot forget what Riad Salameh did for the company,” adding that his relationship with Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid is “very good and exemplary,” and that Souaid is pleased with the company’s current performance.
Looking to the future, El-Hout revealed that the new airline brand “Fly Beirut” will enter service in the second half of 2027. He added that MEA will also propose the name “Hala Beirut” to younger generations to hear their views and select the final name.
Speaking about cooperation with the state, El-Hout highlighted the role of Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, saying he “does not give up when faced with challenges, and his achievements at the airport are clear.” He noted that MEA continues to support airport operations financially. “We cover airport expenses, pay the salaries of air-traffic controllers, and provide meals to the army — all with the approval of the relevant authorities.”
On the issue of ticket prices, El-Hout clarified that “prices have not actually increased; it’s the dollar that has lost its value.” He stressed that MEA is a commercial company that must sustain itself and is working to ensure its continuity. “Ticket prices are determined by supply and demand,” he added.
Regarding the Qlayaat Airport project, El-Hout said MEA will evaluate the feasibility of operating flights there once the state completes the airport. “But we are not involved in the project to run this airport,” he said, explaining that current discussions center on foreign companies.
El-Hout also revealed that the airline has contingency plans in case a war breaks out. “That, of course, depends on the Israeli side,” he said. “Insurance has now returned to what it was before the war, and we have evacuation plans in place.”
He concluded by highlighting MEA’s long-term growth strategy: “There is a plan to expand the company, and as long as Lebanon is doing well, MEA will be doing well. We have the capacity to take loans for new aircraft, we’ve made improvements, and flight attendants’ salaries are now better than they were in 2019.”
El-Hout described the July War as "a difficult chapter," especially after the airport runway was struck. “Among the tough decisions I made were flying over Syrian airspace, as well as deciding to continue operating during the support war,” he added.
The MEA chief praised the dedication of the airline’s employees under fire. “I honor the courage of the pilots and all MEA employees during the war,” he said. “The company’s true value lies in its people, and today it is worth more than 1.7 billion dollars.”
El-Hout emphasized that “we cannot forget what Riad Salameh did for the company,” adding that his relationship with Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid is “very good and exemplary,” and that Souaid is pleased with the company’s current performance.
Looking to the future, El-Hout revealed that the new airline brand “Fly Beirut” will enter service in the second half of 2027. He added that MEA will also propose the name “Hala Beirut” to younger generations to hear their views and select the final name.
Speaking about cooperation with the state, El-Hout highlighted the role of Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, saying he “does not give up when faced with challenges, and his achievements at the airport are clear.” He noted that MEA continues to support airport operations financially. “We cover airport expenses, pay the salaries of air-traffic controllers, and provide meals to the army — all with the approval of the relevant authorities.”
On the issue of ticket prices, El-Hout clarified that “prices have not actually increased; it’s the dollar that has lost its value.” He stressed that MEA is a commercial company that must sustain itself and is working to ensure its continuity. “Ticket prices are determined by supply and demand,” he added.
Regarding the Qlayaat Airport project, El-Hout said MEA will evaluate the feasibility of operating flights there once the state completes the airport. “But we are not involved in the project to run this airport,” he said, explaining that current discussions center on foreign companies.
El-Hout also revealed that the airline has contingency plans in case a war breaks out. “That, of course, depends on the Israeli side,” he said. “Insurance has now returned to what it was before the war, and we have evacuation plans in place.”
He concluded by highlighting MEA’s long-term growth strategy: “There is a plan to expand the company, and as long as Lebanon is doing well, MEA will be doing well. We have the capacity to take loans for new aircraft, we’ve made improvements, and flight attendants’ salaries are now better than they were in 2019.”