I see MEA posting many schedule changes. Are these all extra flights to accommodate people leaving Lebanon ?

MEA's insurance has been lowered to 80% (insurance company determined that the country is at war). MEA is therefore limited to using only 8 planes so the scheduling is becoming a very dynamic process. They will keep publishing/updating schedules until further notice.

Am now one of those affected. A return JED-BEY-LHR in J on 30 October cancelled and informed switched to a late night flight the night before.

MEA refusing to re route on another airline on the same day.

I believe you may chose to cancel your reservation without any penalty and book with another airline. The airline will not reroute on another carrier unless that route is completely canceled and is no longer served by that carrier. The way I see it, your flight on that day was canceled (happens all the time with carriers all over the world) and they gave you the option to fly out on the same carrier the night before.

Given the MEA website details rerouting as an option where flight cancelled at short notice, I think there remains a case to be answered.

That said, as a Beirut native, your view of MEA may be based on deeper and certainly more informed affection.

BEY airport in the midst of a comprehensive and seemingly elegant refurbishment and I wish all the best for MEA. Crew on both outward legs were outstanding and relaxed, food very good and price unbeatable.

At this stage have rebooked on QR which will allow to avail on a flat bed back and will submit a claim for the difference to my travel insurance. QR itself famed for sterling service in the air but erratic on the ground (incl. in respect to IRROPS) although I have yet to experience he latter.

Thank you for your kind wishes regarding ME. The airport has a LONG way to go before it becomes "decent", and if we keep the same group of people managing it (I don't see that changing anytime soon), I doubt we will ever reach that stage. Enjoy your flight on QR. Indeed, they do tend to do frequent last minute changes but hopefully, that will not happen with you and you will get to enjoy a decent seat.