Lebanon reported a surprising uptick in tourism activity in recent weeks, with Beirut’s international airport posting its highest number of arrivals for May since 2019. According to new data, nearly 300,000 people entered the country last month, contributing to a total of 560,050 passengers passing through the airport, marking a 10.26% increase compared to May 2024.
Since the start of the year, 2,409,387 passengers have traveled through Beirut’s airport, up from 2,292,764 over the same period last year. The number of commercial flights also rose to 4,607 in May, a 7.28% year-over-year increase. Notably, incoming flights jumped 11% to 2,304, while outbound flights reached a nearly identical 2,303, up 7.46%.
With summer approaching and school vacations beginning in various countries, Lebanon is hoping to see a further rise in tourist arrivals. Recent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs (Dahieh) prompted Lebanese officials to accuse Israel of deliberately undermining the country’s fragile tourism sector.
A report in Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat quoted a ministerial source alleging that Israel timed its strikes “to send an economic message that poisons the atmosphere and prevents Lebanese preparations for a promising tourist season.” Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos echoed that view, saying Israel aims to keep Lebanon in a constant state of conflict.
Actress Nadine Al Rassi also criticized a pre-strike warning video from the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, sparking widespread backlash. The Lebanese Information Ministry later issued a formal statement urging citizens to avoid any direct or indirect contact with Israeli military spokespeople or affiliated media.
Lebanon has long been mired in economic, political and social crises. Still, some areas show signs of improvement. The country now has a functioning government, including a president and cabinet, and has begun efforts to centralize control over weapons. Hezbollah, while still active, has suffered significant blows in recent months. Authorities hope the summer season will offer a much-needed economic lifeline.
Years of instability had previously decimated Beirut’s nightlife and cultural scenes. Even large-scale concerts that did go ahead often faced harsh criticism given the country’s dire conditions. But in a symbolic milestone, flights from the UAE resumed in May after a four-year ban, following a visit by Lebanon’s newly elected president, Joseph Aoun, to the Emirates. The initial flights were met with celebratory fanfare, including flowers and media coverage.
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Speaking at the time, Minister Morcos expressed hope that the renewed flights would mark the beginning of stronger ties between Lebanon and Gulf nations, encouraging other countries to lift similar travel restrictions.
A recent Independent UK report highlighted Lebanon’s renewed focus on restoring ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, many of which had banned travel to Lebanon in recent years. With the right security conditions, officials believe tourism could help unlock broader economic growth. The article quoted local business owners expressing cautious optimism.
In recent months, Lebanon’s new government has taken steps to improve Beirut’s image. The airport has undergone upgrades, and sectarian and political billboards were removed from roads leading into the city. In a May interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon had laid the groundwork for a promising new chapter, despite the ongoing challenges facing reform.
Salam emphasized that Beirut’s airport is preparing to welcome more visitors by tightening security, enhancing services and ensuring the safety of all travelers. Still, recent reports of a new garbage crisis on Beirut’s streets have raised questions online about the country’s readiness for a tourism renaissance, with one viral post asking, “Is this how Lebanon plans to welcome tourists?”
First published: 12:18, 06.27.25