Russian Federation Bombards Islamic State In Syria, Forces Lebanon To Reroute Flights

The Lebanese Transport Ministry is working out a set of measures to maintain operations of the Beirut global airport during the three-day Russian military drills in the Mediterranean Sea, the ministry said in a statement obtained by Sputnik.

Turkey's Dogan news agency said two Turkish Airlines services to Beirut on Friday night were cancelled for "security reasons" due to the Russian request, but its Saturday flights were operating regularly.

Lebanon has few options for alternative routes from Beirut because it does not fly over Israel, its southern neighbor, and is avoiding Syria due to the hostilities there.

In an interview with Reuters, MEA Chairman Mohamad al-Hout said they can divert their flights over Cyprus.

Earlier in the day, Lebanese media also reported that officials in Rafik Hariri worldwide Airport in the Lebanese capital Beiruthad received notification from the Russian navy that it would be carrying out the training and maneuvers starting from midnight on Friday, adding that the exercises "have a direct effect on Lebanon's airspace and will bring air traffic to and from Beirut's airport to a complete halt".

"This (disruption would have been) for three days but we refused because it is against our interests", he said.

"The decision should be taken by the Lebanese government".

No details were available on the nature of the manoeuvres, as Moscow has made no public announcement about them and officials at the Russian defence ministry could not be reached for comment.

Russian Federation sent its notice regarding its planned on November 20, according to the global governmental database of notices to airmen (NOTAM).