New Lebanon Airport Expected to Open for Passenger Traffic This Summer

Lebanon to Reopen Rene Mouawad International Airport

A plan to reopen Rene Mouawad International Airport in Qlayaat, northern Lebanon, has been approved by the government. The airport, which was previously used for military and civilian purposes, is expected to begin operations this summer.

The airport’s history dates back to the 1930s when it was built, and later became a military airfield under French control. In the 1960s, it resumed civilian use, primarily for transporting engineers and employees between Lebanon and other Arab countries.

During the Lebanese Civil War, from 1988 to 1990, many roads were closed by militias, leading Middle East Airlines to operate flights between Beirut and Qlayaat. The airport was later renamed in honor of Rene Mouawad, who was assassinated in 1990.

In recent months, political opposition to the reopening of the airport has largely subsided. Officials and experts say that the project is being heavily backed by the government, with the transportation minister set to participate in a demonstration flight in the coming weeks.

The airport’s potential benefits include providing an economic reprieve to regions with high levels of poverty and serving large parts of Syria. Located 6km from the Syrian border, it could also serve as a vital link for trade and commerce between Lebanon and its neighboring country.

The airport has been discussed for over 30 years, with proponents arguing that it would provide numerous benefits for the region. However, some discussions around the airport have turned sectarian, with concerns raised about Hezbollah’s involvement in the project.

In April, airport employees affiliated with Hezbollah were reportedly removed from Beirut’s international airport, leading to protests and demands for a second airport. The government has moved forward with plans to reopen Qlayaat airport, despite these challenges.

Source: Al Jazeera