Number of Airport Passengers Up 25.90% Annually YTD in January 2026
The cumulative activity at Rafic Hariri International Airport rose by 25.90% year-on-year (YoY) to 543,028 passengers in January 2026. This improvement reflects a broad recovery in airport activity over the year, driven by stronger arrivals, which increased by 7.10% YoY to 235,497, and supported by a 45.53% YoY rise in departures to 307,531. Transit passengers also recorded a significant increase of 792.09% YoY to 1,240.
This stronger annual performance was supported by a more contained security backdrop toward the end of the period. Although a ceasefire was announced on 27 November 2024, Israel’s continued breaches of the agreement prolonged uncertainty well into early 2025, weighing heavily on passenger movement at the time. By contrast, conditions had become relatively more stable by January 2026, helping restore traveler confidence and support normalization in airline activity. This marked a clear improvement compared with January 2025, when airport traffic was still being constrained by security concerns and flight disruptions, resulting in a weaker base of comparison.
On a month-on-month basis, airport activity showed mixed performance. Total passenger traffic declined by 8.61%, reflecting a seasonal slowdown following the holiday period. This was mainly driven by a sharp 30.26% drop in arrivals, as inbound travel normalized after peak year-end inflows. In contrast, departures increased by 20.00%, suggesting a rebound in outbound travel as residents resumed travel plans. Meanwhile, transit passengers surged by 484.91%, though this increase came from a low base, indicating a gradual recovery in connecting flight activity.
Of course, the picture should be marked differently in February, and especially March, because of the Israel – Hezbollah war.
Monthly and YoY Passengers Activity:
Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport YTD Activity in January 2026:
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.
