Four flights from abroad carrying expatriates are expected this Sunday in Lebanon. A first since the closure on March 18 of Beirut International Airport to stem the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic.
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Two of the four planes, chartered by the national company Middle East Airlines (MEA), landed Sunday in the morning and early afternoon, disembarking 157 passengers in total, one from Ryad, the other from 'Abu Dhabi, according to local media. Two more flights from Lagos and Abidjan are scheduled by the end of the day
On arrival, the passengers were subjected to a temperature measurement by carers dispatched on the spot. The country has officially registered 527 cases and 18 deaths.
20,000 Lebanese to repatriate
Tuesday, three other MEA planes will repatriate expatriates from Paris, Madrid and Kinshasa, according to the national company. More than 20,000 Lebanese have registered to be repatriated by the end of the month, according to the Foreign Ministry.
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Many Lebanese work in the Gulf countries and in Africa, while a significant proportion of students continue their studies abroad, especially in the United States and Europe.
The plan provides for a priority return of people suffering from chronic diseases, those over 60 and under 18 and families.
