Number of Airport Passengers Down 21.65% Annually YTD by September 2026 to 4,235,968 Passengers

The cumulative activity at Rafic Hariri International Airport declined by 21.65% year on year to 4,235,968 travelers by September 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 2,108,634, down by 23.81% year-on-year; similarly departures fell by 19.38% to 2,125,888. While, transit passengers increased by 46.77% year on year to 2,865 albeit from a low base.

Airport activity dropped in August 2026, with total passengers decreasing by 4.15% year-on-year to 654,107 travelers. Total arrivals and departures declined by 0.84%, and 6.74% respectively reaching 294,537, and 359,258 travelers. While transit increased by 61.66% to reach 312 travelers, albeit from a low base.

Similarly on a monthly basis, total passenger activity declined by 21.75% to 654,107 travelers in September 2026, compared to August. Arrivals and departures fell by 20.35% and 22.87%, respectively, while transit passengers increased by 8.71%. The decline largely reflected the end of the summer tourism season and the return of Lebanese expatriates abroad, alongside persistent regional security concerns that continue to weigh on travel demand and airline activity.

Annual YTD Passengers Activity: