Malév Flight 240 was a scheduled passenger service operated by the Hungarian airline Malév. On September 30, 1975, the flight was nearing its destination of Beirut International Airport in Lebanon when it tragically crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. The aircraft, a Boeing 727, was carrying 56 passengers and a crew of 4. It is believed that mechanical failure combined with the turbulent political climate in Lebanon contributed to the accident. The investigation that followed highlighted deficiencies in both aviation safety measures and crisis management in the region.

In the years leading up to the crash, Lebanon was experiencing significant unrest due to various internal conflicts, which may have impacted the operations of the airport and air traffic control. As the flight descended, the crew made several attempts to communicate their situation, indicating they were facing difficulty but did not manage to land safely. The search and rescue missions faced challenges due to rough sea conditions, but eventually, the wreckage was located, confirming the tragic loss of all on board.

Flight 240's crash added to the growing list of aviation disasters, prompting stricter adherence to safety protocols and review of existing airline regulations, particularly for flights operating in conflict-prone areas. This incident, alongside others in the region, served as a critical case study in aviation safety during a period marked by political instability and conflict.