Lebanon to Open Second Commercial Airport in Qlayaat
Rene Mouawad Airport will begin regular commercial operations on December 14 to boost regional development.
1New Commercial Aviation Hub
Lebanon is set to inaugurate its second commercial airport, Rene Mouawad Airport, located in Qlayaat. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that regular commercial flights will officially commence on December 14. This facility, situated in northern Lebanon near the Syrian border, aims to expand the nation's limited aviation infrastructure and support economic growth.
2Historical Military Site Transition
For several decades, the Qlayaat facility functioned primarily as a military installation. Recent redevelopment efforts, guided by a master plan established last year, have successfully converted the site for civilian use. The airport is named after former president Rene Mouawad, who was assassinated in 1989, honoring his legacy through this national project.
3Operational Timeline and Testing
Trial flights are scheduled to begin on November 22, coinciding with Lebanon's Independence Day and the anniversary of Mouawad's death. Following these initial tests, passengers can begin booking commercial tickets this coming Sunday. The government will release the full flight schedule and list of available routes simultaneously with the booking launch.
4Economic Relief for Akkar
The airport is located in the Akkar governorate, a region currently suffering from the highest poverty rate in Lebanon. Prime Minister Salam emphasized that the project is designed to open new prospects for economic and tourism development. Officials hope the facility will stimulate local commerce and provide much-needed employment opportunities for residents.
5Easing Beirut Airport Congestion
Currently, Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut serves as the country's sole commercial hub. The new northern terminal is expected to alleviate significant pressure on this facility. Beirut's airport is located near southern suburbs that have faced frequent Israeli bombardment, making the northern alternative a strategic necessity for maintaining consistent national connectivity.
6Capacity and Growth Projections
Authorities anticipate that the airport will handle approximately 114,000 passengers during its first year of operation. Beyond domestic travel, the government hopes the new hub will attract increased tourism from Gulf countries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rebuild regional ties and stabilize the nation's cash-strapped economy.
7New Low-Cost Airline Entry
The budget carrier Fly Beirut is scheduled to begin operations next summer with a fleet of five Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline plans to connect Lebanon to major cities including Dubai, Istanbul, Paris, and Berlin. This entry aims to address long-standing complaints from the diaspora regarding high ticket prices and limited competition.
8Strategic Market Implications
Middle East Airlines, backed by the central bank, currently dominates the Lebanese aviation market. The introduction of a second airport and new budget carriers represents a significant shift in the sector's landscape. By diversifying entry points, Lebanon seeks to improve accessibility for travelers while navigating the ongoing challenges of regional conflict.
Original article: The National — Lebanon to Open Second Commercial Airport in Qlayaat