Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo tracking

What is Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo?

Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo is the freight division of Middle East Airlines, MEA, Lebanon's national flag carrier, officially registered as Middle East Airlines - Air Liban S.A.L. The cargo division operates not as a separate legal entity but as an integrated commercial unit within MEA, with all physical ground operations at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport carried out by MEAG, Middle East Airlines Ground Handling, a wholly owned subsidiary the airline established in 1999 to consolidate its ground logistics capabilities. All freight moves as belly cargo in the lower deck holds of MEA's all-Airbus passenger fleet meaning the carrier operates no dedicated freighter aircraft.

MEA was incorporated on May 31, 1945, and launched flight operations in late 1945 with three de Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapide biplanes, 166 employees, and initial routes from Beirut to Nicosia. Co-founders Saeb Salam and Fawzi El-Hoss built the airline rapidly, replacing the original biplanes with Douglas DC-3s by 1946 and upgrading to British Viscount turboprops by 1955. British Overseas Airways Corporation provided early technical and operational support, and an early cargo milestone came in June 1957 when MEA leased an Avro York cargo aircraft. The airline entered the jet age in 1960 with leased de Havilland Comets and merged with Air Liban in 1963, which added Air France as a 20% shareholder and extended the network into Europe and West Africa.

Lebanon's 15-year civil war, beginning in 1975, proved deeply damaging. Twelve of MEA's 23 aircraft were destroyed during the conflict, including seven during the 1982 Israeli invasion, and Beirut Airport was intermittently closed across the entire period. The airline accumulated $720 million in losses between 1981 and 2001. Recovery began when Banque du Liban, Lebanon's central bank, acquired nearly all of MEA's shares in 1996 to cover accumulated debt. A restructuring under Director General Mohamad El-Hout, appointed in 1998, reduced the workforce from approximately 4,500 to around 1,200 and formally established MEAG as a distinct ground handling entity. By 2002, MEA posted its first annual profit in two decades, with revenues reaching $250 million, and by 2004 profitability exceeded $50 million annually.

• Date of incorporation: May 31, 1945, with flight operations beginning in late 1945
• Co-founders: Saeb Salam (Chairman) and Fawzi El-Hoss (Technical Director)
• Parent company: Middle East Airlines - Air Liban S.A.L., 99.50% owned by Banque du Liban (Central Bank of Lebanon)
• Headquarters: Rafic Hariri International Airport, Beirut, Lebanon
• IATA airline code: ME; Air Waybill prefix 076
• Global alliance: SkyTeam, member since June 28, 2012
• Cargo management system: IBS Software iCargo platform, live since April 10, 2019
• Ground handling subsidiary: MEAG (Middle East Airlines Ground Handling SAL), founded 1999
• Cargo Center: Purpose-built facility inaugurated May 15, 2015 at Rafic Hariri International Airport
• Security certifications: TAPA Level A, RA3 UK, RA3 EU, ISO 9001, IATA ISAGO
• MEAG market share at Beirut Airport: Approximately 90% of all cargo traffic, 80% of passenger traffic, and 82% of flight operations handled

Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo's position in Lebanon's air freight market is dominant almost by default, given that Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport is the country's sole international aviation hub and MEAG handles the vast majority of cargo traffic there. The cargo operation caters primarily to freight forwarders, trade partners, and commercial shippers rather than individual consumers, with booking and capacity management conducted through the IBS Software iCargo trade-partner portal that requires registered login credentials. The Times of London has described MEA as "arguably the world's most resilient airline," a characterization earned through sustained operations across Lebanon's civil war, multiple armed conflicts, and the country's prolonged economic difficulties.

Which countries does Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo deliver to?

Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo's network corresponds exactly to MEA's passenger route map, as all freight is carried as belly cargo on scheduled passenger services. The sole operational hub is Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, from which MEA operates services to approximately 29 to 33 international destinations across roughly 22 countries. Lebanon has no secondary domestic commercial airports served by MEA, making the entire network international by nature. The geographic footprint spans four primary regions covering the Middle East and Gulf states, Europe, West Africa, and limited routes in Asia.

In the Middle East, MEA serves destinations across the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the Levant, with particularly high-frequency service to Dubai operated at 2 to 4 flights per day. European coverage draws from MEA's long-standing historical ties with Air France and its SkyTeam membership. West African routes have been part of the MEA network since 1963, when the merger with Air Liban brought African network rights into the combined airline. Asia is an emerging focus, with MEA's ordered Airbus A321XLR fleet specifically intended to extend reach into Asian markets upon delivery.

• Hub airport: Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (IATA: BEY), sole operational base for all MEA cargo movements
• Middle East and Gulf: Dubai (2 to 4 flights daily), plus Gulf Cooperation Council states and Levant destinations
• Europe: Multiple European cities, historically connected via Air France partnership and maintained through SkyTeam membership
• West Africa: Routes established since the 1963 Air Liban merger, maintained as part of MEA's core network
• Asia: Limited current routes, with planned network expansion using the incoming A321XLR fleet
• Total direct network: Approximately 29 to 33 destinations across around 22 countries

As a SkyTeam member since 2012, Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo also participates in interline agreements with the cargo operations of other SkyTeam airlines, including Air France-KLM Cargo, Delta Cargo, and Korean Air Cargo. SkyTeam Cargo was established in September 2000 and allows member airlines to handle shipments on connected itineraries spanning multiple carriers. Through these interline arrangements, MEA Cargo can accommodate freight on routes that extend beyond its own operated sectors, broadening the practical cargo network to a global reach even though MEA's own flights cover only the Middle East, Europe, West Africa, and selected Asian corridors.

What are the Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo services and delivery times?

Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo offers a range of specialized service categories, all transported as belly freight on MEA's Airbus passenger fleet. General freight covers conventional commercial goods shipped in standard packaging, unit load devices, or on pallets configured for the aircraft's lower deck. Dangerous goods handling is offered in full compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, with dedicated screening and handling procedures at the cargo center required for all regulated materials, along with appropriate documentation, labeling, and packaging as defined by IATA standards.

Courier and express services are available for time-sensitive shipments requiring prioritized handling and documentation processing to meet tighter delivery windows. Valuable cargo receives heightened security treatment, with storage in dedicated secure rooms within the MEA Cargo Center and physical access controls and surveillance applied throughout the chain of custody for high-value consignments. Pharmaceutical cargo benefits from purpose-built cold storage infrastructure comprising 15 cold stores with a combined volume of 3,300 cubic meters at the cargo center, maintained at varying temperature ranges for products with specific cold chain requirements. Cooling dollies are used to transport pharmaceutical goods between the warehouse and the aircraft hold.

Live animals and pets are accepted under dedicated handling procedures. The section of the aircraft hold designated for live animals is maintained at the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin throughout the flight. Temperature-controlled goods beyond pharmaceuticals, including fresh produce, flowers, and food products, are handled through the same cold storage infrastructure at the cargo center. Post office mail is managed as a discrete cargo category on MEA's international routes, covering the movement of Lebanese postal traffic to international destinations served by the airline.

• General freight: Standard commercial goods in ULDs, pallets, or standard packaging suited to MEA's lower deck configurations
• Dangerous goods: Full IATA DGR compliance with dedicated screening and handling at the Cargo Center
• Courier and express: Priority handling for time-sensitive shipments with tighter delivery deadlines
• Valuable cargo: Secure room storage, physical access controls, and continuous surveillance at the Cargo Center
• Pharmaceutical cargo: 15 cold stores totaling 3,300 cubic meters, with cooling dollies for transport between warehouse and aircraft
• Live animals and pets: Dedicated procedures; hold temperature and pressure maintained equivalent to passenger cabin conditions
• Temperature-controlled goods: Perishables, fresh produce, flowers, and food products handled via the cold storage infrastructure
• Post office mail: Separate category covering Lebanese postal traffic on MEA's international routes

Transit times for MEA Cargo shipments are determined by MEA's scheduled passenger flight frequencies rather than a published service-tier commitment. Estimated transit typically falls in a range of 7 to 90 days depending on the destination and route frequency. High-frequency routes such as Beirut to Dubai, served by 2 to 4 flights per day, offer the most flexible transit options, while lower-frequency routes naturally involve longer potential wait times between available departures. Total transit time also includes ground processing at origin, flight time, customs clearance at the destination country, and final ground handling before the consignment becomes available for collection.

What are the Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo does not publish public rate cards, pricing calculators, or standard weight and dimension tables on publicly accessible pages. Pricing follows the standard airline cargo model, where rates are calculated based on chargeable weight, the greater of actual gross weight or volumetric weight, along with the route, commodity type, and applicable service level. Volume-based pricing and contract rates are typically negotiated between MEA Cargo's commercial team and freight forwarders or large-volume shippers. The iCargo booking portal manages pricing and capacity allocation but requires registered trade-partner credentials to access.

Physical dimension and weight limits for individual consignments are governed by the lower-deck unit load device configurations of MEA's Airbus fleet which comprises A320-family narrowbodies and A330-200 widebodies. The MEA Cargo Center at Rafic Hariri International Airport is equipped with four 10-ton export scales and two 20-ton ramp scales, indicating the facility can handle individual consignments of at least 20 tons at ramp level. Shippers requiring specific rate quotations or guidance on dimension and weight constraints should contact MEA Cargo's sales team directly through the cargo operations call center.

• Pricing model: Chargeable weight basis (the greater of actual or volumetric weight), route, commodity type, and service level
• Booking access: IBS Software iCargo platform, available to registered trade partners and freight forwarders with valid credentials
• Export scales: Four 10-ton export scales at the Cargo Center
• Ramp scales: Two 20-ton ramp scales, supporting individual consignments of at least 20 tons
• Fleet constraints: Lower deck ULD configurations of Airbus A320-family narrowbodies and A330-200 widebodies define the maximum physical dimensions
• Rate inquiries: Direct contact with MEA Cargo's commercial team required; no self-service rate calculator is publicly available

What are the Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo delivery options?

Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo operates exclusively in the airline cargo business-to-business segment and does not run a last-mile consumer delivery network. There are no parcel lockers, retail drop-off points, or home delivery services associated directly with MEA Cargo. Cargo consignments are collected by the consignee or their designated customs broker or freight forwarder from the cargo facility at Rafic Hariri International Airport, following completion of customs clearance and all required documentation. The consignee is formally notified when the shipment has arrived and is ready for collection, which corresponds to the NFD, Notified, status in the tracking system.

Final delivery to the end recipient is typically arranged by the freight forwarder using their own local distribution network at the destination. MEAG, which operates the Cargo Center at Beirut Airport, maintains round-the-clock operations and handles the release of cargo to authorized collecting parties after clearance. No public information is available regarding signature requirements or package redirection services of the type associated with consumer parcel carriers, as MEA Cargo's operations are structured around commercial consignments moving through professional logistics channels.

• Collection point: MEA Cargo Center at Rafic Hariri International Airport, Beirut, following customs clearance completion
• Authorized collectors: The consignee directly, or their designated freight forwarder or customs broker
• Consignee notification: Formal notification issued when the shipment arrives and is available, recorded as NFD status in the tracking system
• Home delivery: Not offered by MEA Cargo directly; last-mile delivery is arranged through the freight forwarder's own distribution network
• Cargo Center operating hours: MEAG cargo operations available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

What should I do if my Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo parcel is lost or damaged?

MEA Cargo does not publish a dedicated cargo-specific claims procedure on publicly accessible pages. Based on MEA's documented framework for related claims, any damage or loss should be reported immediately upon discovery, before leaving the airport premises, and a Property Irregularity Report must be completed at that time to generate a formal reference number for the case. Written claims must then be submitted within seven days of the shipment's arrival date. Required documentation typically includes a copy of the air waybill, booking records, and evidence of the value and condition of the goods in question.

Compensation for loss or damage is governed by the applicable international aviation convention, either the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention, depending on the specific route and jurisdiction involved. For cargo-specific claims, the primary publicly available contact point is MEA's general call center, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including public holidays. MEAG, the cargo ground handling subsidiary, maintains separate direct contact channels for cargo operational matters at the Beirut airport facility and can be reached around the clock as well.

• Initial report: Report damage or loss immediately upon discovery before leaving the airport and complete a Property Irregularity Report to obtain a reference number
• Written claim deadline: Submit written claims within seven days of the shipment's arrival date
• Required documentation: Air waybill copy, booking records, and evidence of the goods' value and condition
• Legal framework: Compensation governed by the Warsaw Convention or Montreal Convention depending on the route and applicable jurisdiction
• MEA call center phone: +961 1 629999 (international); 1320 or 1330 (within Lebanon, free from any landline or mobile); available 24/7 including public holidays
• MEAG cargo operations phone: +961 1 622 700; available 24/7

Does Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo's entire network is international by design, as Lebanon has no domestic commercial air cargo market served by MEA. Every shipment on an MEA air waybill crosses at least one international border. Customs clearance at the destination is the responsibility of the consignee or their designated customs broker or freight forwarder. MEA Cargo and MEAG are responsible for the physical handling and documentation at the Beirut origin end, while clearance at foreign destinations is managed by local handling agents and customs authorities in each respective country.

Standard IATA documentation requirements apply to all MEA Cargo shipments. An air waybill, commercial invoice, and packing list are required for every consignment. Depending on the commodity and destination country, additional documents may be required, including a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, health certificate, or temperature monitoring logs for pharmaceutical shipments. Dangerous goods shipments require IATA DGR declarations, labeling, and packaging certified to the relevant standards. Duties and taxes at destination follow standard airline cargo practice and are the responsibility of the consignee, billed either directly by customs authorities or through the freight forwarder acting as customs broker. No Delivered Duty Paid option is publicly documented by MEA Cargo.

The MEA Cargo Center holds RA3 certification from both the European Union and the United Kingdom, designating the facility as a Regulated Agent under both regulatory frameworks. This means that security screening applied to cargo at Beirut meets EU and UK aviation security standards, which facilitates smoother acceptance of inbound MEA cargo at European and UK destination airports. The facility also holds TAPA Level A certification, ISO 9001 certification, and IATA ISAGO accreditation, covering physical security standards, quality management systems, and ground operations standards respectively.

• Scope: All MEA Cargo shipments are international; no domestic Lebanese cargo routes exist
• Customs responsibility: Clearance at the destination country is the consignee's or their freight forwarder's responsibility
• Standard documents: Air waybill, commercial invoice, and packing list required for all shipments
• Additional documents: Certificate of origin, phytosanitary or health certificates, temperature logs as required by commodity type and destination country regulations
• Duties and taxes: Payable by the consignee at destination; no Delivered Duty Paid option is publicly documented
• Security certifications: RA3 EU and RA3 UK regulated agent status, TAPA Level A, ISO 9001, and IATA ISAGO

Understanding tracking statuses

Tracking a Middle Eastern Airlines Cargo shipment requires the air waybill number, which follows the format 076-XXXXXXXX, where 076 is the MEA airline prefix followed by eight digits. MEA uses the IBS Software iCargo platform, implemented following a contract signed on January 16, 2018 and live since April 10, 2019, replacing the airline's previous legacy cargo management system after an evaluation process lasting over one year. The platform covers the full cargo lifecycle from booking through delivery. Tracking can be performed through MEA's official cargo page or through third-party aggregators that support the 076 prefix, including platforms such as Track-Trace, and OrderTracker. The status codes used in the iCargo system follow standard IATA conventions and indicate the shipment's position and condition at each key stage of its journey.

` tags: 1. `Middle East Airlines (MEA)` → `Middle East Airlines, MEA,` 2. `MEAG (Middle East Airlines Ground Handling)` → `MEAG, Middle East Airlines Ground Handling,` 3. `chargeable weight (the greater of actual gross weight or volumetric weight)` → `chargeable weight, the greater of actual gross weight or volumetric weight,` 4. `the NFD (Notified) status` → `the NFD, Notified, status`