- Lebanon's aviation regulator, the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), has launched a safety audit of Middle East Airlines (MEA) following concerns raised by pilot groups.
- The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) alleged that MEA crews were asked to fly close to airstrikes and were penalised for reporting safety incidents.
- IFALPA also raised concerns that MEA provided financial payments to LCAA employees, including aviation safety workers, potentially compromising regulatory oversight.
- MEA asserts it has a strong safety record, conducts flights during hostilities based on risk assessments, and states its financial support to the LCAA was coordinated with the government without affecting independence.
- An initial LCAA review confirmed MEA's compliance with regulatory requirements, but the full audit is still being processed, with the LCAA mediating between the airline and pilot representatives.
IN FULL