Light aircraft flights to Beirut

[Flying Microphone]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum, but I'm guessing that one of you pro flyers will be more likely to know the answer than on any of the other boards.

Does anyone know if light aircraft are again operating into and out of Beirut International now?

I ask as it used to be a favourite weekend destination 10 years ago when I last lived in Cyprus. I'm moving back to Cyprus again soon and am hoping that Beirut is open to GA, light aircraft.

Any idea?

Many thanks

[IO540]

The place to start is to phone some handling agent at the airport.

For OLBA, try

Cedar +961 1 622142/3
Exec +961 1 628260
Airport Authority +961 1 628195

These came straight out of the Acukwik airport directory - good luck ;)

[iqit]

yes ,its open for light aircraft.

[Flying Microphone]

Thanks for the info folks!

Hope to get back into OLBA once I get back to Cyprus.

Nothing like being asked by the ground controllers to park your Archer next to an MEA Airbus, then being met by an smiling armed guard who (in a very freindly manner), escorts you to sort out the paperwork.

Also remember on one occasion hiring a taxi for a days excursion only for the driver to ask why, if we flew ourselves in, we didn't just hire a car? Have you seen rush hour in downtown Beirut?

Thanks again

[strake]

FM,

That does sound like somwhere special to put into the logbook...!

I was based in Cyprus about 8 years ago so that's why I probably didn't hear about such trips. If not too much trouble, where did you fly from, what a/c how much, what routing etc
:ok:

[Flying Microphone]

Strake
Hiya mate. Were you flying out of Akrotiri? I was based there with BFBS between 94 and 98 and used to fly with the Akrotiri Flying Club.
Beirut was a regular destination for weekend trips for us. The last time I did it was in about 1999 on a trip back for a holiday in Cyprus from the Falklands.
On that occasion I hired an Archer from Larnaca.
On most occasions, I flew 5B-CIR (The Yellow Peril!) from Akrotiri. We used to have to land at Larnaca to hand in Gen Decs, clear customs etc, but later the DCA in Nicosia allowed us to do all that at Akrotiri instead.
Routing was below airway Romeo 19 (if I remember correctly) direct to OLBA.
From memory, the landing fees and so on in Beirut were very reasonable and as the flight from Larnaca would only take around 75 mins, you didn't even need to refuel. You'd talk with the military controllers at Akrotiri, then Larnaca, Nicosia FIR, Lebanese FIR, then into Beirut itself in the normal way.
ATC were always very helpful and friendly especially after we once relayed an airways clearence to a passing Syrian Arab Airlines flight who couldn't hear Beirut. The controller came out and met us on the pan to say thanks personally :ok:
I'm really hoping that the Akrotiri Flying Club is still as active as it was. We flew all over... Rhodes (turn the opposite way on Romeo 19!), mainland Greece and a truly memorable flight to Egypt. Refuel at Alexandria then on over Cairo to Luxor. We thought the controllers in Cairo would route us away from the city, but no... 8,500 straight over the top of the pyramids... truly mind-blowing!
Feel free to message me if you want anymore info mate and happy flying!

[strake]

FM,
Sounds like an excellent experience and beautiful flying.
I was at SBA Dhekelia for most of '99. Most of my flying was from Kingsfield...one-way.. :) The rest of the time was at the other part of CJATC - underwater. :D
Haven't been back since but hoping to get there next summer.
'Aye
Strake