BEIRUT - As a 10-day truce in Lebanon took effect at midnight on Friday, at least two foreign airlines announced plans to resume operations to Beirut–Rafik Hariri International Airport, offering cautious relief to a crippled aviation sector.

Cyprus Airways became the first European carrier to confirm its return, signaling renewed confidence in flight safety after weeks of disruption.

Low-cost carrier Air Arabia also informed partners of its intention to restart routes between the United Arab Emirates and Beirut in the coming days.

The announcements follow a near-total shutdown of regional air travel triggered by the Israeli-American offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, which led multiple countries across the Middle East and Gulf to close their airspace. Lebanon’s aviation sector was among the hardest hit, with passenger traffic collapsing and travel agencies reporting severe losses.

Industry operators say the truce, though temporary, has created a narrow window to resume limited activity and restore critical connectivity for travelers and businesses.

However, uncertainty remains high, with airlines expected to monitor security developments closely before committing to full flight schedules.

The partial reopening marks a tentative return of aviation to and from Beirut.