Iraq has increased flights to Lebanon ahead of Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral on February 23, addressing rising demand from hundreds of Iraqi attendees. Following sold-out tickets on Lebanese airlines, additional daily flights have been ordered by the Iraqi Minister of Transport. Nasrallah’s burial and funeral arrangements are sensitive, considering regional security concerns.
In response to the increased demand for travel to Lebanon for the public funeral of Hezbollah’s late Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, Iraq has augmented its flight offerings. A reliable source reported that this adjustment seeks to facilitate the travel of hundreds of Iraqis intending to attend the funeral, which is scheduled for February 23. As a result of heightened interest, all tickets on Lebanese airlines, specifically Middle East Airlines, from Baghdad to Beirut have been sold out recently.
To accommodate the surge in passengers, Iraqi Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi, has directed Iraqi Airways to introduce two additional daily flights to Beirut commencing on February 21, according to an official statement. This operational change aims to alleviate the constraints caused by the substantial demand for air travel leading up to the funeral date.
Hassan Nasrallah tragically lost his life due to an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024, in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Following his death, Hezbollah opted for a temporary burial, known in Shiite tradition as “wadi’a,” to ensure security amidst concerns that public gatherings for his funeral could pose risks. This burial method permits relocation under specific circumstances at a later date.
Recently, Hezbollah’s current Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, announced the official date of the funeral, which is set for five days after the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which was extended from January 27. This strategic scheduling indicates considerations for both security and public safety regarding the gathering.
In summary, Iraq has increased its flights to Lebanon to accommodate the growing number of Iraqi attendees for Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral, scheduled for February 23. Amidst the heightened travel interest and sold-out tickets from major airlines, the Iraqi government has intervened by adding additional flights. Hassan Nasrallah’s prior burial and the careful planning surrounding the funeral reflect the complex intersection of national security and public mourning within the context of regional tensions.
Original Source: shafaq.com
