Tourism chief says Beirut airport traffic rising but falls short of summer hopes
In a statement, Abboud said the airport now receives between 100 and 105 flights daily, carrying between 17,000 and 18,000 passengers — sometimes even 20,000.
He acknowledged that while the current numbers are solid, the initial momentum of the summer season was dampened by the Iranian-Israeli conflict, which discouraged some visitors from traveling to Lebanon and the wider region.
'Expectations for the 2025 summer season were 20 to 25 percent higher than what we're witnessing now,' Abboud said. 'Hopes were pinned on a season similar to the summer of 2010. Unfortunately, that didn't materialize, and that's disappointing because our economy urgently needs a boost, and tourism is its backbone.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
15 hours ago
- LBCI
Beirut Port container traffic surges nearly 39% in July 2025, highest since 2019
The Beirut Port Authority announced in a statement that container traffic in July 2025 reached nearly 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), marking an increase of about 39% compared to the same month in 2024, which recorded 72,000 TEU. This is the highest figure recorded by the port in terms of container terminal activity (operated by CMA CGM) since 2019, reflecting a growing momentum in operational performance and confirming the port's return as a key facility on the maritime transport map of the Eastern Mediterranean. The authority noted that this progress results from several cumulative factors, most notably improved operational infrastructure, smooth service flow, and the renewed confidence of shipping companies that have started to reintegrate Beirut Port into their regular shipping routes. The port management reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to improve the work environment and developing services to sustain this positive performance.
LBCI
15 hours ago
- LBCI
Minister Jaber addresses confusion over taxes on foreign currency bond provisions
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber said there is clear confusion regarding the taxes due on provisions formed against government bonds in foreign currency. During a meeting with a delegation from the Lebanese Business Leaders Association (RDCL), headed by Dr. Fouad Zmokhol, Jaber emphasized that the matter remains within the scope of law enforcement. He noted that a study conducted by the Tax Revenue Directorate estimated the total value of all related operations at no more than $20 million, contrary to claims suggesting the amount reaches $1.2 billion. Jaber said the Directorate would issue clarifications to present the facts accurately. The delegation raised concerns about end-of-service indemnities and called for a framework for negotiation between production partners, emphasizing that losses should not fall solely on workers who have already lost a significant share of their income and deposits. They also discussed the impact of social security losses. On the matter of asset valuation, the delegation requested that companies be allowed to reassess their assets based on the current exchange rate without incurring high tax liabilities. They also urged the inclusion of a fair settlement of past tax obligations in the upcoming state budget through 2021 and called for the option to pay taxes using frozen dollar deposits at an appropriate rate. Jaber informed the delegation that the ministry is reviewing old tax accounts and has decided to form a follow-up committee to reach fair and practical solutions. The minister also met with Enrique Armas, the World Bank Group Country Manager for Lebanon, along with experts overseeing the implementation of the World Bank electricity sector loan. In a separate meeting with Armas and a team working on public sector retirement reform, Jaber reviewed the work of the committee tasked with studying public sector salaries. He stressed the need for coordination between the committee and the World Bank to align perspectives and develop a comprehensive view of salaries and pensions.
LBCI
15 hours ago
- LBCI
Tripoli Port marks growth with return of one of world's largest container ships
Tripoli Port has welcomed one of the world's largest container ships, CMA CGM COBALT, for the second time in two weeks, according to a statement by the Director General of the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and the Port of Tripoli, Dr. Ahmad Tamer. The vessel is part of a major shipping route in the Eastern Mediterranean and has been designated by CMA CGM as a key transshipment hub in the region. Around 2,600 containers are expected to be loaded and unloaded, including 1,200 destined for the local market. Tamer noted that container traffic at the port has increased by about 20 percent since the beginning of the year compared to the same period last year. He believes this record reflects growing confidence in the port's efficiency and services. 'This growth is a strategic opportunity with a direct impact on the national economy, state revenues, and job creation in Tripoli and the north,' Tamer said, adding that the port serves as an economic driver within a broader development vision.
