Beirut: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport on Sunday dismissed as “misleading” a wave of recent reports circulating across certain media outlets and social media platforms, which alleged the closure of Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, the suspension of flights, or direct threats to Lebanese airspace.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the ministry confirmed that Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is operating normally, stressing that no decision has been taken to close the facility or suspend air traffic, and that flights have not been cancelled in the manner being promoted.

Official data issued by the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority indicates that no new flight cancellations have been recorded, with 12 flights registered as of 8:00 a.m., showing that operations continue within their usual framework.

The ministry further affirmed that Lebanese airspace remains open, dismissing claims that Beirut airport’s airspace is being used for non-civilian purposes as entirely unfounded and lacking any factual basis.

Addressing reports of a decline in flight numbers, the ministry noted that this falls within a broader global context tied to prevailing conditions affecting airports across the region, and does not constitute any exceptional development specific to Lebanon.

The ministry added that it is closely monitoring operations in coordination with the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority and the relevant security agencies at the airport, to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of what it described as a vital lifeline connecting Lebanon to the world and maintaining links between residents and the Lebanese diaspora.

It also warned against the risks associated with the dissemination of inaccurate or misleading information, citing its potential negative repercussions, and called on both media outlets and the public to exercise the highest levels of responsibility, verify information, and rely exclusively on official, accredited sources.