Expat arrivals ignite Lebanon’s holiday economy

As December begins, Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport is once again preparing for its highest-traffic period of the year. Christmas and New Year decorations now illuminate the arrival halls, departure gates, and Cedar Lounge, transforming the terminal into a festive gateway for thousands of Lebanese expatriates and tourists returning home for the holidays.

The seasonal displays greet travelers with a sense of warmth and familiarity, reflecting a country determined to preserve its traditions despite its prolonged economic and political turmoil. For many families, these weeks mark long-awaited reunions. For Lebanon’s weakened economy, they represent something even more essential: a vital seasonal lifeline.

According to official airport figures, 223,066 passengers arrived in Lebanon during November. The first week of December has already shown a clear surge, with daily arrivals reaching between 8,000 and 10,000 passengers. Director General of Civil Aviation Amin Jaber expects these numbers to rise sharply by mid-month, noting that airlines have requested additional flights to accommodate demand. By his estimation, arrivals may reach nearly 18,000 passengers per day, marking one of the strongest holiday travel seasons in recent years.

This annual influx has financial implications that extend far beyond family gatherings. Their presence boosts spending across key sectors including hospitality, restaurants, transportation, retail, and small family-run businesses. In a country where purchasing power has been severely eroded since 2019, December often becomes the month that helps many establishments remain afloat.

Hotel occupancy traditionally rises during this period, Christmas markets multiply across cities, and restaurants frequently report full bookings despite the broader economic crisis. Economists describe this surge as a short-term but essential economic boost, insufficient to reverse structural collapse, yet significant enough to stabilize families and businesses through the winter months.

As Lebanon prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors this December, the airport’s festive atmosphere carries deeper meaning. It symbolizes a nation that, even in crisis, continues to rely on its global diaspora not only for emotional connection but for economic survival.

For businesses, the holiday season can be the difference between closing and holding on. For families, it is a rare moment of reconnection. And for the country as a whole, the steady stream of returning expatriates remains a reminder that Lebanon’s most dependable lifeline continues to arrive through its people.