Brand Lebanon

For a country in crisis, Lebanon deserves a national airline that connects, inspires, and serves. Instead, we have MEA, an airline whose pricing belongs to Dubai, but whose experience doesn’t even reach Istanbul. It’s time to talk, without filters, about the Middle East Airlines problem.

A Monopoly Masquerading as a Flag Carrier

MEA has turned Rafic Hariri International Airport into its private showroom, operating under a near-monopoly that squeezes travelers, blocks competition, and artificially inflates ticket prices.

Same mileage, same route, yet MEA tickets cost 2x or 3x more than Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, or even full-service Air France.
MEA fights low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, not by improving its product, but by making sure they don’t enter the Lebanese market at all.

A Digital Dinosaur in a Mobile World

In 2024, travelers expect seamless booking, transparent seat selection, digital upgrades, loyalty integration, and smooth check-in.
MEA? You’ll be lucky if the app doesn’t crash mid-search.
No clear fare classes. No competitive loyalty offers. No flexible options. Just high prices with outdated tools.

Small, Mediocre Fleet. Premium Pricing. No Justification.

MEA’s fleet is one of the smallest among regional carriers. Its service is decent, but far from world-class.
No premium lounges worth talking about.
No branded hospitality.
No edge.
Just a carrier living off protection, not performance.

The Price of Arrogance

The CEO, Mr. Mohammad El-Hout, has been running MEA like a private fiefdom, not a national airline. For over two decades, MEA has failed to evolve into a modern aviation brand. Instead of becoming Lebanon’s flying ambassador, it has become a financial obstacle to tourism, diaspora travel, and business.

Some Chart to show the disaster

Thousands of Lebanese are choosing alternative destinations, not because Lebanon isn’t beautiful, but because it’s simply too expensive to reach.

MEA is overpricing by:

• +21.6% vs Turkish Airlines

• +15.9% vs Air France

• +106.7% vs EasyJet

• +121.4% vs Ryanair

MEA Is Hurting Lebanon

• Tourism is down not just because of politics, but because a family of four can’t afford to fly home.
• Diaspora engagement is stifled because cheaper alternatives to Lebanon are just easier.
• Competitors are innovating, expanding, and competing, MEA is blocking, charging, and standing still.

What Needs to Change Now

1. Open Lebanon’s airspace to low-cost and regional competitors.
2. Regulate MEA’s pricing relative to service, routes, and global standards.
3. Force transparency and tech upgrades to bring booking and check-in into the modern world.
4. Reframe MEA not as a protected brand, but as a Lebanese asset with public accountability.
5. End Rafic Hariri Airport’s monopoly structure that gives MEA unchecked dominance.

Final Word: A Flag Carrier Should Fly for Its People, Not Over Them

Middle East Airlines could be a world-class brand. But today, it’s a national liability wrapped in national colors.
Mr. El-Hout, it’s not your company. It’s ours. Act accordingly.