Middle East Airlines
LebanonFull-service carrierSkyTeam memberSince 1945
Middle East Airlines (MEA) is the national airline of Lebanon, a full-service carrier founded in 1945 and based at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut. SkyTeam lists it as serving 30 international destinations in Europe, the Middle East and West Africa. MEA belongs to SkyTeam and runs the Cedar Miles loyalty programme.
- Founded
- 1945
- Headquarters
- Beirut, Lebanon
- Country
- Lebanon
- Main hubs
- Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)
- Airline type
- Full-service carrier
- Alliance
- SkyTeam
- Loyalty
- Cedar Miles
- Ownership
- Majority owned by Banque du Liban, Lebanon's central bank, according to CAPA; AACO describes the owners as public and private sectors.
- Callsign
- CEDAR JET
- Website
- mea.com.lb
How travel agents book Middle East Airlines
GDS distribution
MEA content is distributed through Amadeus under the AACO framework agreement, which MEA joined in January 2019 for ten years.
NDC
No public NDC programme details verified at time of writing.
Notes for travel agents
Because MEA continued to fly through the 2026 regional conflict while other airlines cancelled services, schedules from Beirut can change at short notice. Check the latest status before ticketing.
On ReservationHub
ReservationHub gives agencies GDS content from Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport plus NDC and low-cost channels in one platform. See the full list on our integrations page.
History of Middle East Airlines
Middle East Airlines was founded in 1945 and began flying in early 1946, with first services to neighbouring countries such as Cyprus, Iraq, Syria and Egypt. In 1963 it merged with Air Liban, and the company's full name became Middle East Airlines AirLiban.
The airline kept operating through Lebanon's civil war, moving operations abroad and leasing out aircraft when Beirut airport was closed. After the war it faced losses, an ageing fleet and new competition. Banque du Liban, the central bank, covered shortfalls and in the late 1990s took over ownership in exchange for its loans, after which MEA cut costs, closed loss-making routes and modernised its fleet.
MEA joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2012 as its 17th member, a step that followed a restructuring programme including fleet renewal. It now flies an all-Airbus fleet built around the A321neo, with the A321XLR and A330-900 on order. The airline marked 80 years since its first flight on 1 January 2026.
In 2026 MEA kept flying from Beirut during the regional conflict while some foreign airlines suspended services, a decision it said was taken with the government and civil aviation authority.
Milestones
- 1945Founded in Lebanon; first flights follow in early 1946.
- 1963Merges with Air Liban to become Middle East Airlines AirLiban.
- 1965Joins the Arab Air Carriers Organization.
- 2012Becomes a full member of SkyTeam.
- 2019Joins the AACO framework distribution agreement with Amadeus for ten years.
- 2026Marks 80 years since its first flight; first A321XLRs and A330-900s due.
Fleet
Aircraft types in service as of 2026
MEA operates an all-Airbus fleet. AACO, using Cirium data at January 2026, lists 10 A321neos, eight A320s and four A330s, about 20 aircraft in total, which matches the size reported in mid-2026 coverage.
The order book includes A321XLRs and A330-900s, with the first examples of both types scheduled for 2026 according to trade press, and further A330-900s due in 2027 and 2028.
Network and hubs
MEA operates from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), its only hub. SkyTeam lists 30 international destinations across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa, and AACO data based on 2024 schedules shows 37 airports in 24 countries.
Recent network news includes Sarajevo from 2025, Berlin from June 2026 and a seasonal return to Mykonos. As a SkyTeam member, MEA connects in Beirut with partners such as Air France, KLM and Saudia.
Middle East Airlines: frequently asked questions
What are Middle East Airlines' IATA and ICAO codes?
Middle East Airlines uses the IATA airline code ME and the ICAO designator MEA, with the radio callsign CEDAR JET. IATA's code directory lists the company as Middle East Airlines AirLiban, trading as MEA, registered in Lebanon. Its flight numbers carry the ME prefix.
Is Middle East Airlines in SkyTeam?
Yes. MEA is a SkyTeam member and has been part of the alliance since 2012. Members of its Cedar Miles programme can earn miles on MEA and other SkyTeam airlines and redeem them for reward flights across the SkyTeam network.
What is MEA's hub airport?
MEA is based at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), the main international airport in Lebanon. All of its scheduled flights operate to and from Beirut, linking Lebanon with destinations in Europe, the Middle East and West Africa.
How do travel agents book Middle East Airlines?
Agencies can book MEA through the GDSs, including Amadeus under the AACO distribution agreement MEA joined in 2019. No public NDC programme was verified, so GDS content is the main agency channel to check.
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Book a meetingSources
- SkyTeam — Middle East Airlines (MEA)
- AACO — Member airlines: Middle East Airlines
- AACO — MEA signs 10-year distribution agreement with Amadeus (January 2019)
- CAPA — Middle East Airlines airline profile
- The Monthly — Middle East Airlines' 70th anniversary (August 2015)
- Airways Magazine — MEA at 80: Beirut's aviation future (November 2025)
- The National — Lebanon's flag carrier Middle East Airlines hits back over safety fears (June 2026)
- Business Traveller — Middle East Airlines officially joins SkyTeam (2012)
- IATA — Airline and location code search
- FAA — JO 7340.2N Contractions (ICAO three-letter designators and telephony)