Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport (RHIA) is still reeling from last year’s war between Israel and Hizbullah, with passenger numbers down and some $19 million needed for a second radar and upgrade communications and security systems. During the month-long conflict RHIA was hit by 24 air strikes to the runways and three fuel tanks, costing the airport an estimated $8 million in damages. In the year since, Lebanon has struggled to get back on its feet amid political instability and a deteriorating security situation that has seen tourist numbers plunge. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, the number of visitors dropped from 630,804 between January and June in 2006, to 412,041 in the same period this year. Passenger traffic for September this year was higher than last at 317,142 compared to 215,185, but significantly down from September 2005’s 355,959 passengers. The airport has resultantly seen a 20-25% drop in
