Let’s start with a quick flashback to 2009: In August, a consultancy firm spilled the beans to the press stating that the UAE-based low-cost airliner, Air Arabia, had narrowed down its search for a third hub to two choices: Lebanon or Egypt. One month later, Air Arabia announces that Alexandria, Egypt will be its third hub.
Fast-forward to today: Air Arabia announces the launch of its fourth flight from Alexandria – destination Beirut:
Low cost carrier Air Arabia has announced that it will launch services to Beirut, Lebanon, from its third hub in Alexandria, Egypt starting July 1.
Roundtrip flights to Air Arabia fourth destination from its Egyptian hub will operate four times per week between Burj Al Arab International Airport, Alexandria and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanon, the Sharjah-based airline said in a statement.
Great to hear, right? Well, apparently Air Arabia is now looking to establish a fourth hub and Beirut will not be its choice:
Air Arabia operates more than 64 routes from three hubs in Sharjah, Casablanca and Alexandria.
The airline recently announced plans of launching its fourth hub in Amman…
Too bad.
Air Arabia Dodges Beirut Hub for Alexandria and Amman
Jad, the fact that a low cost airline is not choosing Beirut as a hub is simply testimony to the Success of Beirut’s Airport.
When there’s very high demand for an airport, the landing slots become more expensive and budget airlines avoid them like a plague.
Actually Mustapha, it speaks not of the success of Beirut Airport but of MEA’s monopoly. According to the law, if another company were to declare Beirut their hub, they are forbidden from advertising or selling tickets in Lebanon. MEA controls the airport.