Lebanon, Egypt latest countries to ban Boeing 737 MAX in response to deadly Ethiopia crash

The Nairobi-bound plane, which plummeted just minutes into its journey, was the same type as the Indonesian Lion Air jet that crashed in October, killing 189 passengers and crew - and some officials have detected similarities between the two accidents, prompting worldwide precautions to ban or ground the model.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation banned Boeing 737 MAX planes from landing in Beirut's airport or using the country's airspace, The Daily Star reported.

Egypt's aviation ministry said on Wednesday that it would bar all Boeing 737 MAX planes from its airspace in order to ensure "the safety of passengers", AFP reported.

The bans come a day after a European Union decision to halt the aircraft flying to or from any of its member states.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman also banned the 737 MAX on Tuesday, citing the need to protect public safety and confirm the safety of the plane before resuming flights.

Turkey, Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia are also among the countries to have banned the aircraft, and multiple international carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, have grounded their 737 MAX planes.

Thailand also banned the aircraft on Wednesday.

The US is among the few major countries to have not made steps to temporarily ban or ground the aircraft in the wake of Sunday's devastating crash in Ethiopia.

Ordinarily other countries would follow the guidance of the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in such circumstances as the deadly crash of two same-type jets within a few months, but the FAA has so far denied the need to ground the aircraft, citing a lack of "evidence", AP reported.