Rafic Hariri International Airport

Lebanon is country of full surprises and wonders, located at the western Asia which is also near to Mediterranean basin and Arabian frontier. The country has been famous for its rich culture and varied heritage as Lebanon housed more than 18 religions that influence its history with diverse ethnic groups and traditions. After the end of devastating civil war, Lebanon has developed briskly and became a hub of education economy, industry, banking and tourism.

Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon and became an integral part of country’s politics, finance and establishment. The city has faced substantial changes after the two ravaged war which completely changed the shape of this piece of land. After the war, Beirut has undergone major construction and development that change the face of its landscape. Now, Beirut is playing a crucial role in the economy and flourishing in other sectors as well including banking, media, finance and tourism. The city is also recognized as Beta World city and this article will not cover its achievements if we start counting but today, I want to tell you about the striking architecture of this city, Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International airport, commonly known as Beirut international Airport, is located at 9 km away from city center of Beirut. This airport is the only operational and commercial airport in Lebanon and also the hub of national carrier, named as Middle East Airlines. Trans Mediterranean Airways is the major cargo carrier of Lebanon which is operating at this airport along with Charter Carrier Med Airways and Lebanon wings.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is managing and operating this airport with the collaboration of Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The DGCA is also responsible for controlling the air traffic and airspace of airport. There are plans in streams to shift the responsibilities and management of the airport from DGCA to a new government owned Corporation, named as Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority. For roaming the city, you should book for Beirut airport taxi here. The origins of airport is dated back to 1954 with one terminal and two asphalt runways that were very modern and multi-featured, attached with spotter terrace and café. In a short time, the airport has become the hub of international flights in Middle East due to little competition with fast growth of national airline carriers.

After the civil war, a complete reconstruction and renovation was started which later completed with two more terminals, two runways, a fire station, a power plant, a  general aviation terminal and underground parking garage. Now, the modern airport is consist of two wings east and west, accompanying with terminal which has 21 gates. The Wi-Fi is available at the airport for free but for 30 minutes. Each wing contains its own restaurants, spas, cafes, duty-free shops and tourist’s shops.

Altogether, Rafic-Hariri International airport is replete with abundant and plentiful quality passenger’s services, ground transportations, and fixed-base operators for private craft, ground handling services, making it a vital transport mode for local and foreigner concurrently.