LEBANON - Lebanon’s René Moawad Airport in Qlayaat is set to operate its first flight to Cairo on November 15, Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny said during an inspection visit to the airport as preparations continue for the launch of its initial operational phase.
Minister Rasamny toured the airport alongside MP Sajih Attieh, head of Parliament’s Public Works and Transport Committee, and representatives of the companies and institutions involved in the airport's development and operations.
The visit focused on assessing progress across the airport's facilities and reviewing the remaining requirements before operations begin.
Operational Preparations and Certification
The delegation inspected the passenger terminal, runway and access road connecting the main entrance to the terminal. Officials presented updates on completed works, ongoing installations and the steps required to achieve operational readiness.
A coordination meeting was also held to review the Airport Certification Checklist and discuss the technical, operational and security requirements that must be fulfilled in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
During the visit, officials reaffirmed that the November 15 date remains in place for the airport's first flight, which will operate between Qlayaat and the Egyptian capital.
The flight is expected to mark a key step in the airport's reactivation, with work continuing to meet the requirements for regular operations.
Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal later joined the inspection, accompanied by Air Force Commander Brig. Gen. Michel Saifi and Qleiaat Air Base Commander Col. Elie Kamel.
They reviewed the airport's readiness and facilities and took part in coordination meetings concerning the requirements for the next phase.
Baggage Systems and Emergency Preparedness
Work is continuing inside the passenger terminal, where installation of baggage handling and sorting systems has begun to facilitate passenger and luggage movement.
The airport has also received a new fire engine from the Lebanese Army, aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities and meeting airport safety requirements.
The meetings were described as positive and constructive, reflecting the commitment of the various parties to maintaining coordination and completing the remaining work needed to launch the initial operational phase.
Airport’s Role in Northern Lebanon
Sky Lounge Services, owned by Monla Group and represented during the visit by Chairman Ziad Monla, said it would continue working closely with the relevant public authorities.
The company described the upcoming phase as an important step toward reactivating Qleiaat Airport, adding that development works, equipment installations and services would be expanded gradually.
It said the airport could eventually serve as an additional air gateway for Lebanon and contribute to development opportunities in Akkar and northern Lebanon.
The airport's reopening is part of efforts to expand Lebanon's aviation infrastructure and provide additional air transport capacity beyond Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport.
