Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)

Overview

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is located in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, four miles (7km) from the city centre. The airport has one U-shaped terminal, comprised of the East Wing and West Wing with a connecting midsection and four floors.

Although Beirut International Airport is the only airport in Lebanon, its facilities are somewhat limited. This is because the airport has had a limited number of passengers over the past decade or so, particularly when tensions with Israel have run high.

However, as the country undergoes a tourism renaissance of sorts, Beirut International Airport is transforming itself into a suitably stress-free gateway to a laidback holiday in Lebanon.

Location

The airport is situated four miles (7km) south of the city.

Getting to the city

Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall and can be organised through hotels or reputable companies online prior to arrival, and Uber is also available in Beirut. Authorised vehicles bear the airport logo on their side and charge an official rate. Other taxis are also available but their charge is subject to bargain.

Time

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Contacts

Tel: (961) 162 8000 or 150 from inside Lebanon

Car rental

Car rental companies located at the airport include Dealers, Budget, City Car, National, Avis, Europcar, and Hertz. The car rental operators' desks can be found in the arrivals hall.

Airport Taxis

Organising taxis through reputable companies online or through hotels prior to arrival is the easiest way to get a reliable taxi. Otherwise, certified airport taxis are usually available outside the arrivals hall and have a unified official rate. Uber is an increasingly affordable and reliable option.

Facilities

Airport facilities include ATMs, currency exchange services, offices, a bank, a post office, luggage wrapping services, lost baggage complaints, business lounges, WiFi access, separate Muslim and Christian prayer rooms, and first aid and emergency medical services.

The Information Centre staff members are multilingual, generally speaking Arabic, French, and English. There are a number of cafes and restaurants open to the public, located in the arrival zone. There are also a number of shops, including duty free.

Parking

Parking for 2,350 cars is available at the airport. The parking area is connected to the terminal by an underground walkway. Parking rates start at LBP 6,500 for less than an hour, and go up to LBP 23,000 per day.

Website

www.beirutairport.gov.lb

Airlines

A wide range of airlines offer flights to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, including European airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, LOT Polish Airways, Bulgaria Air and Czech Airlines. Low-cost carriers such as Flydubai and Pegasus Airlines provide cheap flights to Beirut International. Middle East Airlines flies from Beirut to Paris, Rome, London Heathrow, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, as well as many other destinations.

Internet

WiFi internet access is available at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. The first half hour is free. For longer access, passengers will need to buy an internet card at the airport or use their credit card for online payment and authorisation.

Business Lounges

Airline business lounges have telephone, internet, and faxing facilities. The airport does not have conference facilities, but there are a number of nearby hotels that do.

Beirut International Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.