The push to reopen a second airport in Lebanon has resurfaced, especially after the government included the rehabilitation of Klayaat Airport in its ministerial statement. Given the country’s current situation, such a move is more urgent than ever—particularly in light of the recent war, which brought Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport dangerously close to being targeted. If not for international guarantees and sheer luck, Lebanon could have faced a major aviation disaster. Now, with renewed momentum, could the long-awaited dream of operating a second airport finally become a reality?

In an interview with Kataeb.org, MP Salim Sayegh emphasized that administrative procedures have naturally become easier with the formation of the new government. He noted that it should have been just as feasible under former Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government—had there been genuine political will to act rather than merely talk.

“We exerted every possible effort before the war between Hezbollah and Israel escalated—whether through the Parliamentary Public Works Committee, by directing a formal question to the Minister of Public Works and Transport, or by directly addressing the Prime Minister," Sayegh explained. "The matter required nothing more than a decision from the minister, yet he chose not to open an additional airport despite the significant security risks. We all witnessed how foreign airlines suspended flights to Beirut and how several companies stopped operating at the airport. In this context, I take the opportunity to salute the crews of Middle East Airlines, who continued to land in Beirut despite the relentless airstrikes.”

When asked about the next steps to push for the reopening of a second airport, Sayegh outlined a straightforward approach:

“The plan is clear. The minister is responsible for implementing the public transport strategy developed by Parliament. Therefore, it is up to Parliament to approve a plan to establish multiple airports in different regions based on geographic and demographic needs while ensuring minimal financial strain on the treasury, which is already heavily burdened.”

Sayegh hailed the explicit mention of the plan to reopen Klayaat Airport in the government's ministerial statement as a major breakthrough, stressing that "this is a significant step forward for Lebanon as a whole and for the northern region in particular."

"This proves that consistent efforts, advocacy, and pressure eventually bear fruit. No right is ever lost as long as there are people fighting for it.”

Does advocating for a second airport mean turning a blind eye to violations at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport? Sayegh firmly rejected this notion, emphasizing that full state control over all public facilities is non-negotiable.

“The state must oversee all revenues generated from these facilities—that is its duty,” he stressed. “We have full confidence in the country’s security and regulatory agencies. In the past, the only thing missing was the political will to act. But once a decision was made, we all saw the improvements—particularly at Beirut Airport.”

From an economic perspective, Anis Abou Diab, an economist and member of Lebanon’s Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, told Kataeb.org that reopening a second airport would significantly boost the national economy, especially in the north.

“More than 200 families would benefit from the job opportunities created by the airport’s operation,” he explained. “Additionally, its proximity would save northern residents the cost, effort, and security concerns of traveling all the way to Beirut.”

He also pointed out that the airport’s location near Syria would enhance transit movement between the two countries.

“Travelers would be able to move between Klayaat Airport and Syria with ease. Moreover, no country should rely on a single airport for logistical and security reasons.”

Abou Diab further emphasized the potential for attracting cargo and passenger airlines with varying price ranges, increasing competition in the aviation sector.

“A second airport would also offer an alternative for expatriates and visitors, particularly during peak seasons when congestion at Beirut Airport discourages many tourists from coming,” he noted.

Given the security risks, economic advantages, and growing demand for alternative air travel options, the reopening of a second airport in Lebanon is no longer just an idea—it is a necessity. The inclusion of Klayaat Airport in the ministerial statement signals a step in the right direction, but will the government take real action, or will this remain just another unfulfilled promise?

This is an English adaptation of an Arabic article by Julie Majdalani.