The activity at Rafic Hariri International Airport decreased by 4.3% year-on-year (YoY) in January 2025, despite a 9.1% YoY increase in arrivals, as departures fell sharply by 15% YoY. The decline in departures is attributed to the previously low number of arrivals in prior months, taking seasonality into account, reducing the pool of individuals leaving the country. Transit passenger numbers also fell by 75.2% during the same period, driven by safety concerns that led travelers and airlines to avoid passing through Lebanon.
However, on a monthly basis, the airport saw a 13.5% increase in January 2025 in total passenger traffic compared to December 2024. This growth was influenced by the ceasefire agreement with Israel and the resumption of operations by international airlines. Monthly arrivals decreased by 6.4%, which is consistent with seasonal trends; December typically sees higher travel due to holidays, and many individuals who fled Lebanon during the conflict returned in December following the November 27, 2024, ceasefire. Transit passenger traffic surged by 162.3% month-on-month in January 2025 as Lebanon was perceived as safer and international airlines resumed transit operations.
Monthly and YoY Passengers Activity:
Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport Activity in January 2025:
Source: Rafic Hariri International Airport, BLOMINVEST
Disclaimer:
This article is a research document that is owned and published by BLOMINVEST BANK SAL.
No material from this publication may be modified, copied, reproduced, repackaged, republished, circulated, transmitted or redistributed directly or indirectly, in whole or in any part, without the prior written authorization of BLOMINVEST BANK SAL.
The information and opinions contained in this document have been compiled from or arrived at in good faith from sources deemed reliable. Neither BLOMINVEST BANK SAL, nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or parent company will make any representation or warranty to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein.
Neither the information nor any opinion expressed in this research article constitutes an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any assets or securities, or to provide investment advice.
This research article is prepared for general circulation and is circulated for general information only.