Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport – BEY Rafic Hariri
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, formerly known as Beirut International Airport is an international airport and the only commercial one operating in the country. It is situated in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, nine kilometers from the city centre. Together with the Port of Beirut, BEY is the main port of entry to the country, and in 2018, more than 8.8 million passengers came through it. As hub for Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines, the airport hosts flights to the Gulf countries, North Africa, Russia, and Western Europe.
Best Time to Visit
BEY-Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport has three runways. The 16/34 is concrete, measures 11,138 feet(3,395 meters), and built with an angled seaward protrusion in order to move landing traffic away from the city to improve safety and reduce aircraft noise. The new takeoff runway,designated 03/21, is the longest of the three with a length of 12,467 feet (3,800 meters). The third and oldest runway, the 17/35, is rarely used but kept open. The BEY terminal is divided into a West and an East Wing connected by the main terminal in a U-shaped layout. The main terminal has four levels. The ground level houses the arrival area together with a duty-free section. The second level is dedicated to departures, security checkpoint, ticketing, customs, immigration, and the primary duty-free section accessible only to ticketed passengers that have cleared immigration. The third level has all of the private airline lounges as well as prayer rooms. The fourth level is reserved for airport administration offices and closed to the public and passengers. The East and West wings each have their own departure gates. Beirut, Baabda, Chyah, and Kfar Yassine are easily accessible from the airport.
What to Do & Area Attractions
For accommodations close to Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), the 5-star Kempinski Summerland Hotel and Resort Beirut is within a 10-minute drive away. You can also book a stay at the Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace is 7.7kilometers from the airport.
