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.

Jet Jockey A4,

I have been in and out of Beirut many, many times over the past 20 years. First of all , ignore ARINC and any USA Foreign Affairs warnings. Get another flight planning agency. I flew into Baghdad, Basra, all of Afghanistan and Somolia for many years. The Lebanese people are lovely.They are kind and generous. The food is wonderful. Have the Flight planning agency set up the FBO, transportation and hotel. Your call - local hotel, Marriott etc. Beirut is safe. Do not wet your pants if you see the military out and about. They are there to protect you. When I read your letter I have the feeling that you are American - am I correct?

flaps78

Its absolutely fine... went there on holiday multiple times even. Military are seen around as said above. Stay away from the busy places (malls) if you want to be extra safe. Plenty of hotels. Kempinski Summerland is close to the airport, nice hotel but nothing around. Dont wander around in the areas north close to the airport. Some crews used to stay in the Movenpick as well. If you have time go sightseeing ! Enjoy

Very nice local wines if thats your thing.

Anilv

Thank you flaps78 and Shooting Star for the information.

Flaps78, no I am not an American and it takes a lot to get my pants wet. :-)

We have our own in-house operations/dispatch department but once in a while when we go to destinations unknown to us I guess they get info from other sources (Airinc being one of them).

Thus my request on here for a general feel of the situation from people that have had experience flying into Lebanon. After your replies and some from the business jet forum on this matter, I am pretty sure there is no problem with going to Beirut.

Our Operations department will surely deal with the proper FBO in Beirut to organize the proper transport service to drive us to our hotel and back to the airport. BTW, I was looking at the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand Hotel which seems to be getting excellent reviews.

Thanks again!

As the above guys have said, no issues there, I've flown in and out many times and bid to fly there.

I was there twice this month, 1st time in years. First thing is to allow about a week to read the Notams issued by Greece and Turkey that all relate to a territorial dispute, or just ignore them as its much easier.

As you will be arriving over the mediterranean, the ATC are wonderful, the approach is easy and you will get some amazing views of the city. The FBO isn't attached to the main terminal but hidden in a corner of the airport, they provide great service and judging by the aircraft based there, people do not feel that it requires a 4/5 rating.

This time we weren't allowed to overnight, so we positioned back to base and returned the following night, but on previous trips I have stayed downtown, its a great city thats very vibrant and I never felt threatened on the streets, not even by beggars.

Enjoy your trip, buy some nuts to bring home.

.....and some Chateau Musar / Kefraya to accompany those nuts! The lowest price Chateau Musar is very drinkable, but pay a bit more and you should get something very pleasant indeed. Have fun.

7B

What was your first clue, his "CYUL" location? :rolleyes:

Friends wife just ran the Marathon there with my wife.
Perfectly safe place.

No offense to Detroit ...but it’s safer than Detroit !

I live there (Brit)

Traffic is crappy but the weather is great, the food is wonderful and the girls are lovely. Great party town and despite the fact that political tensions here get a bit ‘cheeky’ at times, it’s perfectly safe.

There are Hezbollah supporting areas of the city near the airport that you might wish to not linger around for too long, not that they’re dangerous but that they’re just not very salubrious.