On Thursday evening, Beirut International Airport witnessed strict security measures against the passengers of an Iranian plane carrying Lebanese passengers, which caused widespread criticism from travelers.
The security services conducted a thorough inspection of the plane, which led to disruption and delay of passengers for hours. Activists stated that the inspections began weeks ago and are being carried out “under the supervision of American officers,” according to what was reported by the Iranian “Tasnim” agency.
Earlier, the Saudi Al-Hadath channel, citing Western sources, said, “Iran is planning to transfer millions of dollars to Hezbollah via a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Beirut.”
The channel later reported that “after publishing the news of the Iranian plane, Lebanese communications with the Iranian authorities moved forward,” and a torrent of news and rumors regarding the plane’s cargo followed.
Within the framework of these measures, the security services insisted on inspecting diplomatic bags and goods, and Tasnim criticized this, saying, “The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations stipulates that diplomats enjoy full diplomatic immunity, which means that they are not subject to inspection or personal surveillance in the country.” Receiver. This immunity includes many rights and privileges that allow diplomats to carry out their duties freely and safely, including freedom from inspection at airports.”
With regard to inspections at airports, the agency added, “The receiving state may not search or subject diplomats to personal inspection or examine their property or luggage,” noting that this “is considered a violation of the immunity granted to diplomatic envoys in accordance with the Convention, and any attack on diplomatic immunity “It may cause tension in relations between countries.”
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Bassam Mawlawi, said in a statement: “The Iranian plane is being searched at Beirut Airport, and the airport security service is implementing the instructions.”
“Tasnim” indicated that “a group of Lebanese headed on their motorcycles towards the airport, but the Lebanese army closed the entrance to it.”
The discussions continued until late into the night and required security and political interventions to calm the atmosphere and remove tension.
Tunisia.. Strict inspection procedures include those coming from Türkiye
In turn, Tunisian Airlines announced that flights from Türkiye will be received at a separate station at Tunis-Carthage International Airport, noting strict inspection procedures for those arriving from Türkiye.
The company explained that this measure comes by decision of the Tunisian authorities, without providing further details.
These flights will be received through the second station adjacent to the main airport, which is usually designated for pilgrims’ trips to the Holy Sites. This means that travelers coming from Türkiye are subjected to inspection procedures at a separate customs station.
This decision highlights the Tunisian authorities’ fears of the influx of Tunisian militants returning from Syria via Turkey after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham” brigades taking control of power.
Last updated: January 3, 2025 – 10:19
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