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Middle East Airlines (MEA)

Lebanon's flag carrier, flying from Beirut

  • LebanonCountry
  • MEIATA Code
  • MEAICAO Code
  • SkyTeamAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Middle East Airlines (MEA)

Middle East Airlines (MEA) is Lebanon’s flag carrier and a SkyTeam member, flying from Beirut to the Middle East, Europe and Africa. In 2026 it resumed Berlin and added summer flights to El Alamein and Tbilisi, though schedules can change at short notice. This guide covers routes, baggage, power bank rules, Cedar Miles and how MEA compares with Royal Jordanian and Turkish Airlines.

MEA was founded in 1945 and flies the cedar tree on every tail. Beirut is Lebanon’s only commercial airport, so MEA is the main link for the large Lebanese diaspora, and it has kept flying through many difficult periods.

Middle East Airlines flights to Beirut
Photo: Ramy Kabalan / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on MEA

MEA follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only.
  • Up to 100 Wh without approval; 100–160 Wh only with the airline’s approval.
  • No charging power banks, or devices from them, during the flight.
  • Never pack power banks in checked bags.

Check-In at Beirut

Beirut airport has several security checks, so arrive three hours before international flights, especially in summer and around holidays. Choose a flexible fare when travelling at uncertain times.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Lebanon

Cheap Middle East Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Travel in spring or autumn for lower fares.
  • Book summer and Christmas early, when the diaspora visits.
  • Compare connections via Paris or Istanbul.
  • Pick a flexible fare in uncertain times.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see MEA next to Royal Jordanian, Turkish Airlines and others.

MEA vs Royal Jordanian vs Turkish Airlines

Three ways to reach the Levant.

MEARoyal JordanianTurkish Airlines
HubBeirutAmmanIstanbul
AllianceSkyTeamoneworldStar Alliance
Best forLebanonJordanConnections worldwide
Business classCedar ClassCrown ClassBusiness

See our Royal Jordanian guide and Turkish Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Beirut

Beirut–Rafic Hariri Airport is about 9 km south of the city centre. Taxis and pre-arranged cars are the easiest way into town.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Middle East Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. MEA is the main airline for Lebanon, with a modern Airbus fleet, warm service, good food and SkyTeam connections. Stay flexible, as schedules can change.

For more options, see our Air France guide, airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against AeroRoutes on MEA’s 2026 routes, AeroRoutes on the Berlin route and ICAO’s 2026 power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Middle East Airlines website before you travel.

SkyTeam & Airline Partnerships

MEA has been a SkyTeam member since 2012. You can connect onto partners such as Air France, KLM and Saudia on one ticket and earn Cedar Miles across the alliance.

Learn more about SkyTeam

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

MEA codeshares with SkyTeam partners such as Air France, linking Beirut with Europe and onward flights worldwide.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is MEA's hub and Lebanon's only commercial airport.

Popular Middle East Airlines (MEA) Routes

MEA's year-round routes link Beirut with Paris, London, Dubai, Jeddah, Cairo, Rome, Larnaca, Istanbul and Amman. In 2026 it resumed Beirut–Berlin in late June and added summer flights to El Alamein (El Dabaa) and Tbilisi. Schedules can change at short notice during regional tensions. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Middle East Airlines (MEA) Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

MEA sells several Economy fare types, from the cheapest fares with the strictest rules to flexible fares with lower change fees, plus Business Class (Cedar Class). The conditions for your ticket are shown when you book.

When you change, you pay any difference in fare plus any change fee for your fare type.

  • Cheapest Economy fares Lowest prices and the strictest rules.
  • Flexible Economy fares Lower change fees and more flexibility.
  • Business (Cedar Class) The most flexible conditions.
  • Flights to or from the EU Regulation 261/2004 may apply to flights departing from an EU airport.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on mea.com.lb or contact MEA.

Middle East Airlines (MEA) Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can choose a seat when booking or at check-in. Business Class (Cedar Class) has more space and lie-flat seats on the Airbus A330, and Business passengers can use the Cedar Lounge in Beirut.

Extra bags cost less when added before you fly than at the airport.

  • Seat selection When booking or at check-in.
  • Cedar Class Business Class with lie-flat seats on the A330.
  • Cedar Lounge For Business Class passengers in Beirut.
  • Extra bags Cheaper when added before travel.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Middle East Airlines (MEA) Baggage Allowance

MEA passengers can bring a carry-on bag and a small personal item, with a higher allowance in Business Class.

Most Economy fares include checked baggage, which depends on the route and fare, and Business Class includes more. Your exact allowance is shown on your booking.

  • Carry-on 1 bag plus a personal item; more in Business Class.
  • Economy Checked baggage included on most fares; amount depends on route and fare.
  • Business Class Higher allowance than Economy.
  • SkyTeam Elite members Extra baggage.
  • Check your ticket The exact allowance is shown on your booking.

Cedar Miles: Middle East Airlines (MEA) Loyalty Programme

Cedar Miles is MEA's free loyalty programme. You earn miles on MEA and SkyTeam flights and with partners, and redeem them for award flights and upgrades.

Frequent flyers can reach elite tiers recognised as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus, with priority services and lounge access at the top levels.

  • Entry level Free for all members.
  • Elite tiers Recognised as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus.
  • Benefits Priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage and lounge access at higher tiers.
  • SkyTeam Earn and redeem across SkyTeam airlines.
Join or log in on the Middle East Airlines (MEA) website

Middle East Airlines (MEA): Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Middle East Airlines (MEA)’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is ME. It appears in flight numbers (for example ME 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is MEA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Where is Middle East Airlines (MEA) headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon.

03When was Middle East Airlines (MEA) founded?

The airline was founded in 1945.

04What are Middle East Airlines (MEA)’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Beirut (BEY) – Main Hub.

05What is Middle East Airlines (MEA)’s frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Cedar Miles. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

06What does MEA stand for?

MEA stands for Middle East Airlines – Air Liban, the flag carrier of Lebanon.

07Where does MEA fly from?

All MEA flights start or end at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), its only hub.

08Is MEA in an alliance?

Yes. MEA has been a SkyTeam member since 2012, so Cedar Miles can be earned and used on partners such as Air France and KLM.

09Does MEA include checked baggage?

Most MEA Economy fares include checked baggage, with the amount depending on the route and fare. Your exact allowance is shown on your booking.

Middle East Airlines (MEA), its logo and trademarks are the property of Middle East Airlines – Air Liban S.A.L. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Middle East Airlines (MEA) unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.