Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BIA) recorded a major uptick in passenger traffic in May 2025, posting its highest numbers for the month since 2019. Nearly 300,000 travelers arrived in Lebanon, reflecting a significant rebound in international travel and renewed momentum ahead of the summer holiday season.
In total, 560,050 passengers passed through the airport during May, marking a 10.26% increase compared to the same month last year, which saw 507,892 passengers. Arrivals accounted for 299,700 passengers, a 12% rise from May 2024, while 260,322 travelers departed, up 8.37%.
Airport authorities attributed this surge to the start of summer vacations and the end of the academic year for Lebanese students abroad. “This positive trend indicates a strong start to the summer season,” the airport said in an official statement.
The first five months of 2025 also showed a steady increase, with 2,409,387 passengers using the airport. This marks a 5% rise compared to 2,292,764 during the same period in 2024.
Flight activity rose as well, with 4,607 commercial flights handled in May 2025, an increase of 7.28% year over year. This included 2,304 incoming flights, up 7.11%, and 2,303 outgoing flights, up 7.46%. Flights were operated by Lebanese, regional and international carriers.
The data confirms a continuing recovery for Lebanon’s main gateway, with May’s figures offering a hopeful outlook for the upcoming peak travel months.
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