Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) takes a pragmatic approach to smoking that reflects Lebanon's broader, loosely enforced indoor smoking laws. Smoking is officially restricted to designated areas, but airside options do exist inside cafes and through paid lounges. The situation has shifted over the years, so the specific gate numbers in older reports may not match what you find today.

Before Security

Landside, smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings. There are no formal indoor smoking rooms on the public side of the airport. Head outside through the main entrance/exit doors to find these spots.

After Security

This is where things get more interesting. Traveler reports from 2019 through 2023 consistently point to a smoking area accessible through a cafe near the departure gates, though the exact location has moved:

• As of July 2023: The smoking area is located across from Gate 21, accessible by walking through the Znood el Sett cafeteria. You do not need to purchase anything to pass through.

• Earlier reports (2019-2023): Multiple travelers placed the smoking spot near Gate 12, inside or adjacent to the Balkoumi cafe/restaurant. Note that Gates 12 and 21 are in completely different parts of the terminal, and reaching Gate 12 may require passing through an additional security checkpoint.

Given the conflicting reports, it is worth asking airport staff or checking near both Gate 12 and Gate 21 when you arrive airside. The most recent update (July 2023) points to the Znood el Sett cafeteria near Gate 21 as the current location.

Paid Lounge Option

The Beirut Lounge, accessible after passport control (turn right, take the lift or stairs to the 2nd floor, then turn right), has a separate smoking lounge adjacent to the main lounge. This lounge is open 24 hours and is accessible via Priority Pass, other lounge membership programs, or walk-in purchase. The maximum stay is 3 hours. This is the most reliable and comfortable airside smoking option if you have lounge access.

Two other lounges at BEY, the Cedar Lounge and the AHLEIN Premium Lounge, are also listed as Priority Pass properties and operate 24 hours, though specific smoking room details for those two are not confirmed in available sources.

Vaping Rules

Vaping is banned in Lebanon, which extends to the airport. Do not attempt to vape anywhere inside the terminal or in designated smoking areas.

Transit and Layovers

If you are transiting through BEY, the airside cafe smoking area (currently reported near Gate 21 via Znood el Sett) should be accessible without re-clearing immigration, but confirm with airport staff on arrival as the layout is subject to change during the ongoing terminal modernization works.

Bottom Line

Your best guaranteed airside smoking option is the dedicated smoking lounge adjacent to the Beirut Lounge on the 2nd floor after passport control. If you do not have lounge access, look for the smoking area through the Znood el Sett cafeteria near Gate 21.