Beirut – Rafic Hariri International Airport Guide
BEY/ OLBALocation
Rafic Hariri International Airport is located approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) south of downtown Beirut, along the Mediterranean coastline in Lebanon. The airport serves as the country’s main international gateway, strategically positioned to handle traffic to and from the capital as well as regional and global destinations.
Passenger Traffic in Beirut – Rafic Hariri International Airport BEY/ OLBA
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) handled around 5.62 million passengers in 2024, with about 1.25 million in the first quarter of 2025 and 929,815 in August 2025, showing significant year‑on‑year growth.
Airport Facilities at Beirut – Rafic Hariri International Airport BEY/ OLBA
MEA Lounge,
Pay Lounges,
Restaurants,
Cafes,
Duty-Free,
Souvenir Shops,
Free Wi-Fi,
First Aid,
Postal Services,
VIP Terminal,
Ground Handling,
U-Shaped Terminal
Rafic Hariri International Airport, located south of Beirut, is Lebanon’s sole commercial international airport and the country’s primary aviation gateway. It features a modern terminal and a single main runway capable of accommodating wide-body jets. Serving as a hub for Middle East Airlines (MEA), the airport connects Beirut to major destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Gulf region. Despite regional challenges, it remains a critical infrastructure asset, symbolizing Lebanon’s resilience and its role as a crossroads between East and West.
Beirut – Rafic Hariri International Airport Terminals :
Rafic Hariri International Airport features a large, U-shaped passenger terminal with east and west wings connected by a central concourse. The terminal has 23 gates, including 19 equipped with jet bridges and two dual gates for wide-body aircraft. Arrivals, customs, and baggage claim are located on the ground level, while departures and lounges occupy the upper levels. The building provides ample space for duty-free shopping, dining, and relaxation, offering a modern and efficient experience for travelers passing through Lebanon’s main gateway.
Beirut – Rafic Hariri International Airport Size :
Rafic Hariri International Airport operates two asphalt runways, measuring approximately 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) and 3,395 meters (11,138 feet) in length, each 45 meters (148 feet) wide. These runways are capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft and high-volume international traffic. Their layout allows for efficient operations under varying wind conditions and provides redundancy for continuous flight activity. The airport’s runway system is a key factor in its role as a major hub for the Middle East.
Airlines Operating in Beirut – Rafic Hariri International Airport BEY/ OLBA
- • Middle East Airlines (MEA)
- • Aegean Airlines
- • Air Algérie
- • Air Arabia
- • Air France
- • Emirates
- • Etihad Airways
- • Turkish Airlines
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