LEBANON — Sources have indicated that 26 companies have expressed interest in participating in tenders or entering into partnerships related to the redevelopment and operation of Qlayaat Airport, also known as Rene Moawad International Airport.

The information was confirmed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who said the government is advancing efforts to activate public-private partnerships (PPPs) as part of its broader infrastructure strategy.

According to informed political sources closely following the work of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, technical and financial offers submitted by interested parties are currently under review.

The assessment process aims to determine the most viable framework for relaunching the airport, which has remained out of operation for years despite repeated pledges to rehabilitate it.

The same sources told Addiyar that there is a strong possibility that Qlayaat Airport could begin operations by early summer, or at the latest by the end of the current year, depending on the outcome of the evaluation process and the speed of administrative approvals.

The estimated cost of the project ranges between $100 million and $120 million, covering air navigation systems, infrastructure development, and operational facilities necessary to meet international aviation standards.