Lebanon’s fleeing citizens opt for sea travel to Türkiye, fearing airport attack

As violence intensifies in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, many Lebanese citizens are choosing to leave the country by sea rather than risk flying out of Beirut’s airport. Hassan Alik, 31, is among those seeking safety, departing Saturday from the northern port city of Tripoli to Türkiye aboard a cargo ship adapted for passenger use.

With fears that Beirut’s airport could be targeted amid the escalating conflict, Alik expressed his apprehension. “If I buy a plane ticket the airport could be bombed,” he stated. His journey marks a significant shift as the sea route becomes increasingly favored; Tripoli’s port has so far been spared from the heavy bombardment that has affected much of Lebanon.

The situation escalated following an air campaign launched by Israel on September 23, which has left at least 1,454 people dead in Lebanon according to figures from the Lebanese health ministry. Since then, the national carrier Middle East Airlines remains one of the few that still services the airport, as most other airlines have halted operations due to the violence.

Captain Salem Jleilati, who oversees the cargo ships, noted a surge in demand for passage from Tripoli, with weekly passenger numbers skyrocketing from approximately 150 to at least 900 in recent weeks. “We are forced to use them,” said Muammar Malas, 52, as he expressed his preference for the maritime option, citing safety concerns regarding travel to Beirut’s airport, which is in proximity to southern suburbs heavily affected by bombardment.

The cargo ships, initially intended for freight, now carry an increasing number of passengers, with tickets priced around $350. Mohammad Hawar, 22, echoed the sentiment of many, having been displaced twice from the southern city of Nabatiyeh and then from south Beirut. “The best thing to do now is flee Lebanon,” he remarked as he boarded the vessel.

For some, like Israa Sweidan, a Palestinian from the nearby Beddawi refugee camp, the sea journey is viewed as the safest option currently available. “It is not safe,” she stated, reflecting the pervasive fear and uncertainty felt by those caught in the conflict.

As the violence continues, the trend of seeking refuge by sea is likely to persist, with more than one million people already displaced across Lebanon, highlighting the growing humanitarian cr