Iraq is increasing flights to Lebanon due to rising demand for attendance at Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral on February 23. In response to sold-out tickets from Middle East Airlines, Iraqi Airways will add two daily flights starting February 21. Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024, and his public funeral is occurring now after previous delays due to security concerns.
Iraq has announced an increase in flights to Lebanon to accommodate the rising number of Iraqis traveling for the public funeral of Hezbollah’s late Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah. Official reports indicate that these additional flights are in response to the high demand from individuals planning to attend the funeral scheduled for February 23.
As a result of ticket shortages from Lebanese airline Middle East Airlines, which has reported sold-out flights from Baghdad to Beirut, Iraqi Minister of Transport Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi has directed Iraqi Airways to implement two additional daily flights to Beirut starting from February 21. This step is being taken to facilitate the journey for those wishing to pay their respects.
Hassan Nasrallah tragically lost his life on September 27, 2024, due to an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut. His funeral had to be temporarily delayed and conducted secretly due to security concerns following his death, with plans for public memorialization only now being made possible through Hezbollah’s announcements.
Hezbollah’s current Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, confirmed that the official funeral will take place five days after a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel is anticipated to be executed, which extends from the previously set date of January 27.
In summary, Iraq has increased flights to Lebanon to meet the demand of its citizens wishing to attend Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral. This initiative comes after extensive ticket sales led to shortages on existing carriers. This funeral marks an important event, occurring after security restraints have finally allowed for public gatherings following a significantly impactful ceasefire agreement.
Original Source: shafaq.com
