Rafic Hariri International Airport Details

    Organization Logo

    Rafic Hariri International Airport

    Beirut, Beirut Governorate • 1000 employees • Governments

    http://www.beirutairport.gov.lb
    Lebanon

    Industry

    Governments

    Security Incidents

    1

    Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is the main international gateway to Lebanon, located in the southern suburbs of the capital city, Beirut. The airport was originally built in 1954 and has undergone significant expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic. In 2005, it was named after Rafic Hariri, the late Lebanese Prime Minister, who played a significant role in the country's reconstruction and development.

    The airport serves as a hub for the national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), and handles millions of passengers annually. It o...
    Show more

    Security Incidents

    Rafic Hariri International Airport Breach of Sep 2024
    Severity Score
    Significant to High

    Type

    Unknown

    Summary

    On September 28, 2024, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) executed a cyberattack on Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport control tower. The IDF compromised the control tower's communication network to intercept and issue direct warnings to an Iranian civilian plane, instructing it not to land. This intervention prompted the Lebanese Ministry of Transport to prevent the Iranian aircraft from entering Lebanese airspace entirely.

    The operation was reportedly aimed at disrupting suspected weapons transfers to Hezbollah through the airport. Israeli military officials stated they would not per...
    Show more

    Severity

    The cyber incident involving the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) breaching the communication network of Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport's control tower is substantial in its implications. The IDF's actions effectively thwarted an Iranian civilian plane from landing, citing concerns over potential weapons transfers to Hezbollah. This sophisticated cyberattack not only demonstrated significant technical capabilities but also revealed geopolitical maneuvering and direct implications on air travel and civilian infrastructure.

    The breach heightened tensions between Israel and Lebanon, wit...
    Show more

    Impact

    The incident on September 29, 2024, at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport involved a sophisticated cyber attack where the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly breached the airport’s control tower communication network. The hack disrupted the operations by intercepting and threatening communications, specifically targeting an Iranian civilian aircraft cited as Qasem Air, Flight No. QFZ9964, compelling it to return to Tehran. This cyber intrusion was aimed at preventing assumed weapons transfers to Hezbollah.

    The attack caused significant disruptions but did not involve the exposure...
    Show more

    KEEP YOUR ENVIRONMENT SECURE

    Weak credentials are the leading cause of breaches. Beyond Identity can help.

    See MFA exploits in action
    Watch how adversaries exploit companies in quick videos