Information required in flying into Beirut Lebanon...
 

I was just asked by our company if we could/would be able to fly in and out of Beirut Lebanon.

To be honest I have no clue because I have never researched that area of the Mid-East or that country. The flight would be for this coming Sunday April 01st (no it is not an April fool’s joke) and it leaves me with little time to decide whether to accept it or to refuse it. I’m still waiting on an answer whether our insurances covers both the aircraft and crew into Lebanon.

I know European airlines like Air France fly into Beirut but do they remain overnight?

Airinc rates Beirut as a 4/5 for threat assessment (5 being the worst) but that’s for the personnel once on the ground. I assume there are a lot of areas that someone should not go while in Beirut.

So, is it generally a safe place for a private jet to fly into and remain overnight with a return the next day?

For the crew that remains overnight, which hotel is recommended with safety as the number one priority and what about transportation to and from the hotel for the crew?

Any info would be appreciated, thank you.

I haven’t RON’d in a few years, but the FBO (north end) is quite good, full service operation. In the past, I’ve stayed at the Phoenicia or the Movenpick, very good hotels. The immediate downtown area was secure, if one watched out. Veer into some obviously Muslim poor areas and I suspect trouble would be swift. A friend was there this winter, he doesn’t remember the hotel, but the city was okay then. Very fluid situation, so check before leaving.

The easy answer to to reposition to Larnaca or Paphos on Cyprus.

GF

Beirut is nothing to worry about and very straight forward. We were there often last year with the G550 & G450 using Cedar executive, I believe. Just arrange transportation (pickup & drop off) beforehand to avoid the mess of desperate taxi drivers waiting at the airport.

We were always happy to stay at the Mövenpick on the coast, but the Four Points Sheraton was also nice. Enjoy the delicious food.

GF and Flyguy2002, thank you for the info.

From the responses I have received from several forums and both of you, I see no problem with flying into Beirut.

Our Operations/dispatch department will be in touch with the proper FBO in Beirut to organize our transportation and I'm leaning towards the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand Hotel for our stay. It seems to be getting excellent reviews.

I've flown there a few time when working for BMI and my wife goes there as BA crew.

Was no issues at all.

No issues in Beirut.

Make sure you book a nice hotel like the Intercontinental downtown and let them sort the transfer... Safe and you will end up in the right part of town on the corniche...

Thank you folks I was looking forward to flying into Beirut but unfortunately the flight was cancelled. )-: