Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)

Beirut, LB 🇱🇧 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

OLBA

IATA

BEY

Elevation

87 ft

Region

LB-JL

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: OLBA

Local Code: Not available

Location: 33.8209° N, 35.4884° E

Continent: AS

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Chaldea Beirut Air Base مطار بيروت رفيق الحريري الدولي

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler reviews for Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) indicate a mixed but improving sentiment. While some travelers still highlight issues with crowding and outdated infrastructure, many recent experiences praise the staff's friendliness and significant improvements in efficiency, particularly regarding security and immigration wait times. The airport generally receives an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 from Google reviews and 7.5 out of 10 on Flight-report, with an upward trend in satisfaction.

What Travelers Love
  • Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many travelers have noted the staff, particularly at security and passport control, are helpful and friendly, contributing to a warm welcome to Lebanon.
  • Efficient Processing (Recent Improvements): Recent reports, especially from 2025, indicate that new measures, including more customs agents and e-gates, have significantly reduced wait times at passport control and security, making the experience smoother and faster (10-20 minutes during peak hours).
  • Good Duty-Free Shopping: The duty-free section is often praised for offering good prices and a decent variety of products.
  • Comfortable Lounges: Available lounges are generally described as comfortable and recommended for a more relaxed wait.
  • Cleanliness: The airport's overall cleanliness is frequently commended, with recent improvements in restroom conditions also noted.
  • Beautiful Views: Travelers appreciate the picturesque views from the terminal.
Common Complaints
  • Long Queues (Historically): Despite recent improvements, historically, long queues at security and passport control have been a frequent complaint, especially during peak travel times.
  • Outdated Infrastructure: The airport's infrastructure is often described as old, basic, and in need of significant modernization and renovation to match international standards.
  • Limited Dining Options & High Prices: While improving, some reviewers still find dining options limited, and certain items like coffee can be expensive.
  • Lack of Public Transport Links: The availability of public transportation connections to and from the airport is considered weak.
  • Crowding and Chaotic Management: During peak periods, the airport can become crowded, leading to chaotic crowd management.

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport appears to be making concerted efforts to enhance the traveler experience, with notable progress in staff friendliness and reducing security/immigration wait times. While its aging infrastructure remains a point of concern, the recent positive shifts suggest an improving environment for passengers.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
31 147 31 Nov 2, 2025
4 23 4 Oct 21, 2025
3 18 3 Sep 30, 2025
Egypt Air
MSR / MS
1 17 1 Oct 21, 2025
Emirates
UAE / EK
1 14 1 Oct 21, 2025
1 14 1 Oct 21, 2025
1 13 1 Sep 30, 2025
Sundair
SDR / SR
2 11 2 Oct 21, 2025
1 9 1 Sep 30, 2025
3 9 3 Oct 21, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
03/21 12467 ft 148 ft CON Active Lighted
16/34 11138 ft 148 ft CON Active Lighted
17/35 10663 ft 197 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 120.3 MHz
ATIS ATIS 120.6 MHz
GND GND 121.9 MHz
TWR TWR 118.9 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
BAB Beirut NDB 312 kHz
BOD Beirut NDB 351 kHz
KAD Khaldeh VOR-DME 112600 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official airport-authorized taxis with a cedar tree logo are available 24/7 at the arrivals level exit. These operate on regulated, fixed prices. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also widely used and can be booked via their mobile apps. It is advisable to confirm the fare before beginning your journey.

Rental Cars

Several major international and local car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Sixt, and Hertz, have service desks located in the arrivals hall. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required along with your valid driver's license and a credit card.

Public Transportation

Public transportation options from the airport are limited and can be challenging for visitors. While some public buses (LCC) and private minibuses may pass near the airport road, they lack fixed schedules and clear route information, making them difficult to use for tourists. There is no direct train or metro service. Some hotels may offer private shuttle services for their guests.

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~60 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.