Number of Airport Passengers Down 34.36% Annually YTD by May 2026

The cumulative activity at Rafic Hariri International Airport declined by 34.36% year on year to 1,582,472 travelers by May 2026, reflecting the impact of the renewed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which disrupted travel demand and airline activity despite the ceasefire announced in mid-April. Total arrivals reached 753,125, down by 40.30% year on year, while departures fell by 27.81% to 829,104. Meanwhile, transit passengers increased by 194.16% year on year to 1,662, albeit from a low base.

Airport activity contracted in May 2026, with total passengers falling by 39.37% year on year to 339,772 travelers. Total arrivals and departures declined by 37.68% and 41.38%, respectively, while transit passengers increased by 169.51% from a low base.

On a monthly basis, airport activity rebounded, with total passengers increasing by 124.45% compared to April 2026. The improvement was driven by the gradual resumption of flight operations and improved travel conditions following the easing of hostilities. Consequently, arrivals rose by 157.86%, departures increased by 93.54%, and transit passengers surged by 1,127.78%.

Annual YTD Passengers Activity:

Monthly and YoY Passengers Activity:

Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport YTD Activity by May 2026:

_{Source: Rafic Hariri International Airport, BLOMINVEST}