A Decade of Disastrous Airport Experiences
For the past 10 years, Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport has been one of the biggest embarrassments for Lebanon’s tourism industry. Instead of welcoming travelers with efficiency, hospitality, and a smooth experience, it has been a chaotic, unsafe, and dirty nightmare.
The Harsh Reality of Lebanon’s Airport Experience
- Overcrowded terminals with no proper flow management.
- Long immigration lines due to understaffed counters
- Unregulated taxi mafia overcharging tourists upon arrival.
- Dirty facilities, broken restrooms, and lack of proper seating.
- No clear information or digital screens guiding travelers.
- Outdated shopping experience and limited food options.
- Zero entertainment or relaxation options for waiting passengers.
While airports around the world have been evolving into high-tech, seamless travel hubs, Lebanon’s airport has remained stuck in the past, offering one of the worst airport experiences in the region.
A New Era with the New Minister of Transport?
With new leadership at the Ministry of Transport, we are starting to see small but noticeable improvements. But small steps are not enough, Lebanon must act fast to transform its airport experience before another tourism season is wasted.
The good news? We don’t need a billion-dollar renovation to make a major impact. Smart, low-cost, high-impact initiatives can immediately improve the traveler experience.
10 Practical & Low-Budget Ideas to Transform Lebanon’s Airport Experience
1- Organize Taxi & Transportation, End the Mafia Rule!
Enforce a fixed-rate airport taxi system like in Dubai, Istanbul, and Paris.
Create a government-backed ride-hailing booth that ensures safe, fair rides.
Launch an express shuttle service to major cities & hotels with pre-set rates.
Example from the World: Dubai & Singapore airports have fixed taxi pricing with receipts to prevent scams.
2- Upgrade Baggage Handling & Cart Management
Hire staff to manage baggage carts and prevent “cart mafia” abuse.
Introduce self-service bag drop kiosks to reduce long check-in lines.
Install more luggage belts to avoid massive delays and crowding.
Example from the World: Heathrow & Changi airports use AI-powered baggage tracking for faster processing.
3- Enhance Immigration & Security Procedures
Increase passport control officers during peak hours.
Implement fast-track lanes for tourists, families, and business travelers.
Use AI & biometrics to speed up border control processing.
Example from the World: Singapore Changi Airport uses facial recognition for seamless, paperless entry.
4- Improve Cleanliness & Maintenance – Make It Feel Like a 5-Star Hotel
Upgrade restrooms with 24/7 cleaning staff and automatic sanitizers.
Install high-quality seating & phone charging stations in waiting areas.
Introduce greenery, indoor gardens, and digital art displays to create a more welcoming environment.
Example from the World: Doha & Istanbul airports offer luxury lounges, indoor gardens, and relaxation zones.
5- Introduce AI-Powered Information Kiosks & Digital Help Desks
Install AI chatbots at self-service kiosks to answer common traveler questions.
Create a digital airport guide app with real-time flight updates and AI navigation.
Use voice-controlled kiosks for assistance in multiple languages.
Example from the World: Tokyo Narita Airport has AI-powered robots assisting travelers with directions.
6- Transform Duty-Free & Shopping Experience
Partner with Lebanese brands & artisans to create a unique, high-quality souvenir section.
Introduce “Lebanese Wine & Arak Tasting Stations” to showcase local products.
Enhance the luxury shopping experience to cater to Gulf tourists and high-spending travelers.
Example from the World: Dubai Duty-Free generates over $2 billion annually by offering a high-end shopping experience.
7- Entertainment & Relaxation Zones for Travelers
Set up gaming booths for passengers waiting for flights.
Introduce mini-cinemas or VR experiences showcasing Lebanon’s history.
Create a “Lebanese Music Lounge” where travelers can relax while enjoying traditional and modern Lebanese music.
Example from the World: Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has a library and interactive gaming areas for passengers.
8- Design a More Beautiful & Welcoming Airport Aesthetic
Use Lebanese street artists to paint murals that showcase Lebanon’s culture.
Install LED lighting and digital displays to replace outdated decor.
Place Lebanese poetry & calligraphy installations around the airport.
Example from the World: Paris CDG Airport features rotating art exhibits and modern installations.
9- Offer Free Wi-Fi & Better Business Lounges
Provide high-speed free Wi-Fi for all travelers without annoying login pages.
Upgrade business lounges with quiet workspaces and private meeting rooms.
Install more phone charging hubs throughout the airport.
Example from the World: Doha’s Hamad International Airport offers high-speed Wi-Fi and tech lounges for free.
10- Launch a “Welcome to Lebanon” Hospitality Team
Train airport staff to provide world-class customer service and welcome tourists warmly.
Offer free “Welcome Lebanese Coffee” stations for arriving guests.
Introduce hospitality volunteers to assist travelers with directions and transport options.
Example from the World: Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport has hospitality teams guiding first-time visitors.
The Economic Impact: Why Fixing the Airport Is Crucial
If Lebanon modernizes its airport experience, projections suggest:
+3 million more tourists annually.
$3-5 billion in additional tourism revenue.
10,000+ new jobs created in hospitality & transport.
Better global rankings for Lebanon as a travel destination.
The Time to Act Is NOW
Lebanon cannot afford another summer of airport chaos and bad first impressions. Tourists expect efficiency, comfort, and hospitality, not overcrowding, scams, and disorganization.
To the Ministry of Transport & Tourism: Lebanon’s first and last impression starts at the airport. If we want more visitors, investment, and global credibility, the airport must become a priority.
Brand Lebanon 
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