Located in the Southern suburbs of Beirut, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport is located 9 kilometers from the city center. The airport, which is the hub of Lebanon’s national airline company Middle East Airlines, was also home to Lebanon cargo carrier TMA Cargo and Wings of Lebanon until it closed.
The airport takes its name from the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005. The airport, which is the main port of entry to the country together with the Port of Beirut, is managed and operated by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (GDCA) operating under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
GDCA is also responsible for the operation of air traffic control (ATC) at the aerodrome and control of Lebanese airspace. The airport is heavily used by private jet charter services.
Beirut private jet charter prices
Although Beirut air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Beirut are as follows.
| Light Jet | 14.000 EUR |
| Midsize Jet | 16.700 EUR |
| Heavy Jet | 23.500 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
An airport in the shadow of wars
The aerodrome opened on April 23, 1954 and replaced the much smaller Bir Hassan Airport, a short distance to the north. At the time of its opening, the terminal was very modern and featured a cafe and an excellent observation deck. The aerodrome then consisted of two asphalt runways. The airport has become a leading hub in the Middle East, thanks to limited competition in the region. The airport enjoyed rapid and steady growth thanks to heavy use by the country’s four airlines, Middle East Airlines (MEA), Air Liban and Trans Mediterranean Airways (TMA).
On the night of December 28, 1968, in response to the attack on El Al Flight 253 in Athens two days earlier, Israeli commandos launched a surprise attack on the airport and destroyed 14 civilian airplanes operated by Lebanese airlines Middle East Airlines (Air Liban). This caused serious destruction in the Lebanese aviation industry. Middle East Airlines was able to recover quickly, but Lebanese International Airlines went bankrupt and its employees were transferred to MEA.
The aerodrome lost its status as one of the leading hubs in the Middle East with the start of the 15-year Lebanese Civil War in April 1975, losing nearly all airline services except for two Lebanese airlines and Middle East Airlines. Although conflict continued, the airport was modernized in 1977 with a series of renovations.
5 years after the modernization works, the airport was heavily damaged as a result of the bombardment during the Israeli occupation of Lebanon. When the war finally ended in 1990, the airport had to embark on a major reconstruction program. In 1994, a ten-year reconstruction program was initiated, which included the construction of another terminal, two runways, a fire station, a power station, a general aviation terminal and an underground car park.
In 1998, the first stage of the terminal building was completed. The completion of the terminal building lasted until 2000, but the building was not opened until 2002. On June 17, 2005, the opening of General Aviation Terminal was made, and thus the airport began to operate fully.
With the 2nd Israeli war following the recovery process, on July 13, 2006, the airport became unusable as a result of missile attacks by Israel. The Lebanese Government announced that the aerodrome was closed until further notice.
The airport began operating on a limited basis on August 17, 2006. On September 7, 2006, Israel announced that it had ended its air blockade of Lebanon, and commercial flights resumed after this announcement. The recovery process of the airport was with the decision of the USA. The then US President George W. Bush changed the ban on air traffic to Lebanon to allow flights by the US Government.
On June 1, 2019, the airport opened its renovated and expanded departure and arrival terminals. On August 4, 2020, there was a massive explosion in Beirut. The explosion resulted in moderate damage to the airport’s terminal buildings. Doors and windows collapsed, ceiling tiles were shattered by the shock wave, and electrical wires broke off. Despite the damage, flights to the airport resumed shortly after the explosion.
Guide to places to visit in Beirut with its historical monuments and modern life
Beirut, one of the most striking cities in the Middle East and the capital of Lebanon, is a city that attracts the attention of tourists in the summer months thanks to its location on the Mediterranean coast.
In the city carrying the traces of many civilizations, the Rauoche coast is one of the most visited places by tourists due to its beaches and nightclubs. Martyrs’ Square, which is an important point in Lebanese history, Al-Nejmeh Square in the center of Beirut and Monot Street, which stands out with its shopping shops, are the areas that come to the fore as frequent destinations for tourists.
Byblos, one of the oldest settlements in the city, which also stands out with its historical monuments, Mohammed al-Amin Mosque, which reflects the Middle Eastern architecture in the most beautiful way, the Bazaars (Souk), which stands out with souvenirs, local products and street delicacies, the historical town of Baalbek in Beqaa Valley, Roman baths and St. Nicholas Stairs are the most frequent destinations for those who prefer the city for culture and art tourism.
Transportation from Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport to the center
Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport is one of the most difficult airports in the world to reach the city center. There is no public transportation from the airport to Beirut.
The only alternative for transportation is taxis and car rental services. Taxis are divided as public taxis and official airport taxis. Since no taximeter is used in the vehicles, it may be necessary to negotiate before starting the travel. Official airport taxis will provide more affordable prices in terms of bargaining.
Private car rental services are also available at the aerodrome. In order to rent these vehicles, you must have an International Driving Permit.
Passengers who want to reach the city center by car can reach the city in 12 minutes via the main road numbered Hafez El Asad/51M.
