Number of Airport Passengers Up 11.75% Annually YTD by February 2026
The cumulative activity at Rafic Hariri International Airport rose by 11.75% year-on-year to 952,176 travelers in February 2026, mainly reflecting a low base effect from the previous year. Total arrivals reached 444,848, recording a marginal increase of 0.20% year-on-year, while departures rose more notably to 507,328, up by 24.42% year-on-year, highlighting stronger outbound travel. Meanwhile, transit passengers reached 1,419, marking a significant increase of 316.13% year-on-year, albeit from a low base. This overall improvement comes as February 2025 had been marked by subdued activity, with Lebanon still adjusting to the post-ceasefire environment following the November agreement, whereas conditions in early 2026 showed relative stabilization.
Despite the improvement in February 2026, underlying travel patterns remained influenced by rising geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly the growing risk of escalation between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, alongside increasing military activity and threats of confrontation. This likely supported higher outbound travel, as some residents opted to travel amid uncertainty, while inbound activity remained relatively muted. As a result, February’s performance reflects not only a recovery from last year’s low base but also early precautionary behavior in response to a gradually deteriorating security backdrop (as the war starting on February 28th 2026, amply demonstrated).
Airport activity declined on a monthly basis in February 2026, with total passengers falling to 409,148, down by 24.65% compared to January. This drop was mainly driven by a decrease in arrivals, which fell to 209,351, marking an 11.10% decline, alongside a sharper contraction in departures to 199,797, down by 35.03%. Transit passengers also decreased to 179, reflecting a significant monthly drop of 85.56%, also from a low base. On a yearly basis, total passengers fell by 2.75%, largely due to weaker arrivals, while departures recorded a slight increase. This overall softening in activity likely reflects seasonal effects following the holiday period, compounded by growing geopolitical tensions in the region that weighed on inbound travel and overall mobility.
Annual YTD Passengers Activity:
Monthly and YoY Passengers Activity:
Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport YTD Activity by February 2026:
Source: Rafic Hariri International Airport, BLOMINVEST
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