Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, also known as Beirut International Airport, is the principal airport serving Lebanon. It provides facilities for commercial passenger flights, cargo operations, and general aviation activities. The airport manages runway operations, terminal services, apron handling, and coordinates with air traffic control for arrivals and departures. It hosts a Flight Information Display System that supplies real‑time flight data to passengers and staff. Baggage handling systems at the airport automate the sorting and transport of luggage between check‑in, aircraft, and claim areas.

As Lebanon’s primary international airport, the airport holds a strategic position for the country’s air connectivity and tourism sector. Its operations are subject to oversight by the Lebanese civil aviation authority, which sets safety, security, and regulatory standards. The airport’s distinguishing attributes include its role as a hub for regional carriers and its capacity to handle a wide range of aircraft types. The cyber incident on 7 January 2024 demonstrated the critical dependence of its operational systems on information technology, affecting both flight displays and baggage inspection. Following the breach, airport personnel resorted to manual luggage screening with police dogs while restoration efforts were underway.