Israeli Strike Near Beirut Airport Causes Minor Damage, No Impact on Airport Operations

Lebanon’s transport minister confirmed that the country's only international airport remained operational despite Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, including one near the airport. Minister Ali Hamie assured that flights were still arriving and departing without disruption.

A heater factory located next to the airport's perimeter was severely damaged in the attack, as reported by an AFP photographer at the scene.

Lebanon’s sole international gateway, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, continues to operate normally despite recent Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, including a targeted area close to the airport. The Lebanese transport minister, Ali Hamie, confirmed that flights have not been affected, with planes taking off and landing as scheduled.

The Israeli strikes, which targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, resulted in significant damage to a heater factory situated near the airport's perimeter wall. However, the airport terminal itself was not directly impacted. An AFP photographer at the scene reported visible damage to the factory, but no disruption to airport operations.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah escalated in late September, when Israel broadened its military efforts to secure its northern border while continuing its battle with Hamas in Gaza.

The strike near Beirut’s airport occurred shortly after Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on a military base close to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. According to an airport official, the overnight attack caused minor damage to several buildings, but the terminal building itself was unaffected.

A maintenance building used by Middle East Airlines, Lebanon’s national carrier, was damaged, but the airport itself continued to function normally. The Israeli military had previously issued evacuation orders for four southern Beirut neighborhoods, including areas near the airport.

Since the start of the conflict on September 23, more than 2,600 people have died in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad.

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