Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is Lebanon’s only commercial airport, located in the southern suburbs of Beirut on the Mediterranean coast. The airport handles around 8 million passengers annually and serves as the hub for Middle East Airlines. Lebanon has one of the highest smoking rates in the Middle East, with roughly 40% of adults smoking regularly. While Law 174/2011 officially bans indoor smoking in public places, the airport provides designated outdoor areas for smokers.
Smoking Policy at Beirut Airport
Law 174/2011 prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces across Lebanon, including airports, restaurants, and workplaces. The law was a landmark piece of legislation when passed, but enforcement has been inconsistent over the years, reflecting broader challenges in Lebanon. At the airport, the official policy is that smoking is prohibited inside the terminal. Designated outdoor smoking areas are provided near the terminal entrances.
Airport Layout
The airport has a single terminal building with two main sections. The older part of the terminal dates from the 1990s and early 2000s, while renovations and expansions have updated portions of the facility. Departures are on the upper level with security leading to the airside gate area. Arrivals are on the lower level. The airport sits along the coast, giving it a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, rainy winters.
Smoking Areas
Landside (Before Security)
Outdoor smoking areas are located outside the terminal near the departures and arrivals entrances. Beirut’s Mediterranean climate makes outdoor smoking comfortable for much of the year, with mild winters and warm summers tempered by sea breezes.
Airside (After Security)
Access to outdoor areas from the airside zone is limited. Once past security, your options for smoking are restricted. If you need to smoke before a flight, it is best to do so before entering the security checkpoint. Ask airport staff about any available options in the gate area.
Lounges
The Cedar Lounge and other premium facilities may have information on the nearest smoking areas. Middle East Airlines passengers with business class access should check with lounge staff for current arrangements.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are legal and widely available in Lebanon. The country has a growing vaping market. At the airport, vaping should be confined to the designated outdoor smoking areas. Using a vape inside the terminal falls under the indoor smoking ban.
Tips for Smokers at Beirut Airport
- Smoke before clearing security for the easiest access to outdoor areas
- Lebanon has one of the highest smoking rates in the Middle East, but the airport does enforce the indoor ban
- Duty-free tobacco prices are competitive, and Lebanese brands are available
- Beirut’s Mediterranean climate makes outdoor smoking pleasant most of the year
- If you are transiting, note that airside smoking options are very limited
- Enforcement can vary, but it is always safer to use the designated outdoor areas
- Nargileh (hookah) is part of Lebanese culture but is not available at the airport
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landside outside terminal | Yes | Outdoor | Near departures and arrivals entrances |
| Airside | Limited | Outdoor | Very restricted after security |
| General terminal | No | N/A | Indoor ban under Law 174/2011 |
| Duty-free area | No | N/A | Indoor ban applies |