Lebanese Expat’s Hilarious Vid Protesting Ticket Prices Goes Viral

A hilarious video of Lebanese expat Bassam Wehbe protesting ticket prices to Lebanon outside MEA’s Paris office has gone viral on Instagram. The video sees Wehbe, who is also known as “Bassam ب Paris,” shout through a megaphone at passers-by about how ticket prices are averaging out at €1,000 per ticket for a trip back to Lebanon.

The video sees Wehbe interact with the wide tapestry of people that fill up a Parisian pavement, explaining to bewildered tourists that tickets to Lebanon are expensive, comparing his €1,000 euro ticket to others’ €340 and €500 tickets, and even planning a trip to walk (or swim) from Jordan to Lebanon.

Wehbe, who often posts skits and videos on his Instagram, is actually a communications engineering graduate from Antoine University who ended up finding his love for performing and the stage during university. Since immigrating to Paris, Wehbe has used digital platforms to get his name and craft out there, and hopes to continue moving from stage to stage as he pursue a career in art and comedy.

MEA’s near-monopoly on flights to Lebanon has created a ridiculously inflated market for those looking to fly back home this summer. Combined with the general inflation surging across the country, this situation promises a rocky summer tourist season. Why can’t we have any reasonable budget airlines operating out of Lebanon? Maybe we need to scramble those fighter jets again.

We hope Wehbe’s protest succeeds and he manages to get a cheap (or free, hint hint MEA PR person) ticket back into the country.