For eighty years, the sight of a cedar in the sky has meant one thing to the Lebanese: home.
Middle East Airlines (MEA) was born in 1945, during Lebanon’s golden age. The country is young, confident and cosmopolitan and so is its national airline. MEAs’ flights connect Beirut to nearby capitals, carrying diplomats, businesspeople, travelers and dreamers across the region.
Boarding an MEA flight is stepping into a space of elegance and care: a reflection of Lebanon’s pride, style and hospitality. From the warm smiles of flight attendants wearing uniforms designed and made in Lebanon to meals that celebrate Lebanese cuisine, like morning knefeh above the clouds, every detail carries the spirit of the country. Even the safety video showcases Lebanon’s landmarks and culture, turning the experience into a journey through the nation itself.
Over the decades, MEA becomes more than an airline. It has become a part of the Lebanese identity. Families remember their first trips abroad, students recall journeys that opened new horizons, and for the diaspora, the cedar on the tail is a reminder that home is always reachable. MEA sees the ups and downs of Lebanon’s story, and through it all, it keeps flying.
Its resilience is legendary. During wars, sieges and crises, MEA carries people home, connects Lebanon to the world and keeps hope alive. When airports are damaged, fleets destroyed or skies uncertain, the airline’s crew and engineers work tirelessly to keep flights operating. Step on board today and that legacy is still alive: no matter how uncertain the world feels, an MEA flight offers safety, care and the quiet confidence that comes from eight decades of experience.
The Future Looks Bright
Today, MEA operates a modern fleet of 23 aircraft serving more than 30 destinations. As it celebrates its 80th anniversary, the airline looks toward the future. Six new planes will join the fleet, and in 2027, Fly Beirut, a low-cost carrier, will take off, opening Lebanon’s skies to more travelers while upholding the same standards that define MEA. Beirut is also reclaiming its place as a regional aviation hub, continuing the legacy that began eight decades ago.
Eighty years on, Middle East Airlines remains a reflection of the Lebanese people themselves — resilient, proud and endlessly welcoming. Every takeoff carries the dedication of the pilots, the care of the flight attendants, and the skill of the engineers who keep the cedar wings in the sky. MEA is a Lebanese airline by Lebanese for Lebanese, a testament to the talent, heart and spirit of the people who make every journey possible.
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If you enjoyed reading this, check out our article on why we love coming home with MEA.
