Roberta Aguirre
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is the only operational commercial airport in Lebanon. Located 9 kilometres from the city centre, it is the main port of entry into the country. The airport has a rich history, having opened in 1954, and has been the site of several plane crashes. Travellers should be aware of the unpredictable security environment in Lebanon, which may cause disruptions to access. However, the airport offers various transportation options, including taxis and Uber, and is served by multiple airlines, making it a convenient gateway to the city of Beirut and its many attractions, such as the National Museum of Beirut, the Mim Mineral Museum, and Zaitunay Bay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport |
| Location | Southern Suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon |
| Distance from Beirut city center | 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) |
| Public Transportation | No public transportation except for taxis; Uber is also available |
| Bus Routes | LCC Bus Route 1, OCFTC buses number seven and ten |
| Management | Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Public Works and Transport |
| Security Risks | Traffic congestion, roadblocks, Israeli airstrikes, gunfire, protests |
| Attractions Nearby | National Museum of Beirut, Mim Museum, Zaitunay Bay, Pigeon Rocks in Raouche, Gemmayzeh Street, Hamra Street, Corniche Beirut |
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What You'll Learn
Getting to Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport by car, taxi or bus
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is located around 9 km (5.6 miles) south of downtown Beirut. While there is no public transport serving the airport, you can get there by taxi, car, or minibus.
Taxi
Taxis are the main way to get to and from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. A ride to the city centre should cost no more than $20 (30,000 Lebanese pounds) and takes around 15 minutes. Official airport taxis can be identified by their airport logo on the side of the car. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber, which is much cheaper than official airport taxis, costing around $12. However, you will need a local SIM card or roaming to use it.
Car
If you plan to travel around Lebanon and don't want to rely on taxis, you may consider renting a car. However, driving in Lebanon can be dangerous due to poor driving standards and a high accident rate. There are also numerous army checkpoints throughout the country, so you should always carry your ID with you.
Bus
While there is no official bus network connecting the airport with Beirut, there are minivans operating on the Airport-Dora route, which passes through some districts of the city. These minivans depart from the second departure level outside the exit and can only be flagged down as they have no official stops along their route.
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Check-in three hours before an international flight
It is recommended that passengers check in at least three hours before departure for international flights from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. This is the only operational commercial airport in Lebanon and is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) from the centre of Beirut.
The airport is named after former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005. It is the main port of entry into the country, alongside the Port of Beirut. The airport is managed and operated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is responsible for air traffic control and maintaining Lebanon's airspace.
Passengers travelling to Lebanon are not permitted to bring fresh fruit and vegetables into the country. It is important to check the latest government advice before travelling, as restrictions may change.
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport has a café and a spotting terrace. The airport has two runways, with one primarily used for landings and the other for take-offs. The airport is home to the national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), as well as other carriers such as Kuwait Airways and Royal Jordanian.
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Local security and safety advice
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is the only operational commercial airport in Lebanon and is located in the Southern Suburbs of Beirut, 9 kilometres from the city centre. The airport is managed and operated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is responsible for operating the air traffic control (ATC) at the airport as well as controlling Lebanon's airspace.
When travelling to and from the airport, it is important to be aware of the local security situation and only make the journey if it is safe to do so. Access to the airport may be disrupted by traffic congestion, temporary roadblocks, or closures caused by Israeli airstrikes nearby. It is recommended to check for any updates on local and international media platforms, such as Virgin Radio Lebanon (FM 89.5) and Voice of Lebanon.
There are several areas that should be avoided due to ongoing security concerns, including the neighbourhoods south of the Litani River and the towns of Khiam, Hasbaya, Rachaya, Al Masnaa, Aanjar, and Riyaq. The security environment in Lebanon remains unpredictable, with ongoing airstrikes, mortar, and artillery exchanges across the country, particularly near the Israeli and Syrian borders.
When travelling to the airport, it is advisable to use reputable transport services such as Uber or regular service taxis. It is recommended to arrive at the airport three hours early for international travel. Keep personal belongings secure and be vigilant of your surroundings at all times.
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Explore the National Museum of Beirut
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is the only operational commercial airport in Lebanon. It is located in the Southern Suburbs of Beirut, about 9 kilometres from the city centre. The airport is managed and operated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Public transportation to the airport is limited to taxis, which tend to be more expensive than regular service taxis.
One of the must-visit attractions in Beirut is the National Museum. The National Museum of Beirut is the principal museum of archaeology in Lebanon. The museum has a collection of about 100,000 objects, most of which are antiquities and medieval finds from excavations. The collection includes sarcophagi, mosaics, statues, reliefs, and pottery. There are also artifacts from the Phoenician civilization, the Hellenistic period, the Roman era, and the Byzantine period. The museum's displays follow a chronological circuit, beginning in Prehistory and ending in the Ottoman era.
The National Museum of Beirut has a fascinating history. The initial collection was started after World War I, with a small group of ancient artifacts exhibited in a provisional museum. In 1923, the "Friends of the Museum Committee" was created to raise funds to build a national museum. Construction began in 1930 on a plot of land donated by the municipality near the Beirut Hippodrome and was completed in 1937. However, the opening of the museum was postponed due to the political situation leading up to World War II. The museum finally opened its doors on May 27, 1942.
During the 1975 Lebanese Civil War, the museum stood on the front line that separated the warring factions. The museum endured shelling and bombing, and most of the building and its collection were extensively damaged. However, thanks to last-minute preemptive measures, most of the artifacts were saved. After a major renovation, the National Museum of Beirut has regained its former glory, with about 1,300 artifacts on display, ranging from prehistoric times to the medieval Mamluk period.
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Visit Zaitunay Bay
Zaitunay Bay is a must-see destination in Beirut, offering a range of cultural, leisure, and social activities. It is a wonderful place to explore, walk the promenade, and people-watch. The best time to visit is during the early evening when the setting sun illuminates the Mediterranean Sea.
The Bay is a recently completed harbour project around Beirut Marina. It is conceived as an urban beach, with the Beirut Corniche and the new sea promenade broadened by overlapping layered platforms resembling sea waves. These modifications create more outdoor public spaces for artworks and exhibitions.
The Quayside Restaurant Strip has over 17 restaurants and retail locations, with Lebanese and international cuisine, cafes, and shopping options. The strip runs alongside the Beirut Marina from the west border to the Yacht Club in the east. The roofs of the strip are designed to act as a continuation of the Corniche, with the entry plaza, the quayside, and the Corniche walkway forming terraces resembling a stony "beach" over the cafes and shops.
Zaitunay Bay also has a clubhouse with facilities on two levels. On the lower level, there is a swimming pool deck with a bar, a restaurant, lounge, library, games room, and gym.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get to the airport by car, taxi or SUV. Uber is available in Beirut and offers a range of options, from private rides to premium cars to more cost-effective choices. There is also a bus service to the airport, with LCC Bus Route 1 taking passengers from the airport roundabout to Rue Sadat in Hamra, and Route 5 going to the Charles Helou bus station.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight if it is an international flight.
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) from the city centre, where you can find attractions such as the National Museum of Beirut, the Mim Mineral Museum, water parks, and cultural tours.
The security environment in Lebanon is unpredictable, with ongoing airstrikes, mortar and artillery exchanges across the country. There is a risk that access to the airport may be disrupted by traffic congestion, temporary roadblocks or closures caused by Israeli airstrikes nearby. It is recommended that you check the local security situation and remain alert to local conditions as they could change quickly.
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is the hub for Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), and is home to the MidEast Aircraft Services Company (MASCO), an aircraft maintenance provider specialising in Airbus maintenance. The airport has two ground handling operators: Middle East Airlines Ground Handling (MEAG) and Lebanese Air Transport (LAT).
