Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is Lebanon’s primary international gateway located to the south of Beirut. Passenger volumes have fluctuated in recent years; historically the airport handled several million passengers annually and served a wide range of regional and international destinations. The terminal layout concentrates passenger services in a single complex with separate domestic and international operations.
Terminal Guide for Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport #
The airport has a single passenger terminal building that contains arrivals, departures, immigration and customs facilities in one complex. Check‑in areas and gate concourses are all part of the same terminal footprint, with commercial and passenger services arranged landside and airside within the building.
Getting to and From Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport #
The airport is located about 9-12 km south of central Beirut; typical travel time into the city is 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
- Taxi: Official taxis operate from the arrivals forecourt - agree a fare if a meter is not used.
- Shuttle / bus: Limited public and private shuttle services connect the airport with Beirut and surrounding areas; schedules vary.
- Driving / parking: Short‑ and long‑term parking and car hire are available at the terminal.
Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport #
BEY provides standard international terminal facilities.
- Lounges: Airline and some pay‑per‑use lounge options are available in departures.
- Food & drink: Cafés, restaurants and duty‑free shops are located landside and airside.
- Wi‑Fi & charging: Wi‑Fi and charging points are available in passenger areas (terms may apply).
- Luggage & services: Car hire, currency exchange and passenger assistance services are provided at the terminal.
- Accessibility: Accessible facilities and assistance are available on request.
Tips for Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport #
- Airport services and operations have varied since 2020; verify current flight operations and entry requirements before travel.
- Official taxis and hotel transfers are the most reliable options for getting into Beirut; meter use is mixed - agree the fare if the driver will not use the meter.
- SIM cards and local currency exchange are available in arrivals, but rates at city bureaux can be better.
Weather & Climate near Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport #
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (768 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 181 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.1h |
| February | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 128 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Very Good | 11° - 20° | 16° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 3.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 14° - 23° | 18° | 45 mm | some cloud | 65% | 3.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.9h |
| May | Ideal | 17° - 26° | 21° | 14 mm | mostly sunny | 60% | 3.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.8h |
| June | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 57% | 3.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.2h |
| July | Ideal | 23° - 30° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 59% | 3.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.0h |
| August | Ideal | 24° - 31° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 64% | 3.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.2h |
| September | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 4 mm | clear | 63% | 3.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Ideal | 19° - 28° | 23° | 43 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 2.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| November | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 101 mm | some cloud | 62% | 3.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.3h |
| December | Good | 12° - 19° | 15° | 151 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 3.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.8h |
