Lebanon is moving forward with plans to reopen Qlayaat Airport, officially named President Rene Mouawad Airport, with operations expected to begin gradually over the next year. 

Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny announced during a visit to Baabda Palace on Monday that the airport project file has been officially handed over to the newly appointed Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority, which was established through the Civil Service Council. Rasamny reiterated that the airport tender process is expected to be completed within the first three months of next year.

Captain Mohammed Aziz, head of the authority, said the first meeting on the project had taken place, reviewing plans to restart airport operations.

“Significant challenges remain in launching this project, but we will address them. The airport will be reopened gradually, in phases, rather than immediately operating at the level of Beirut International Airport,” he told Al-Markazia.

Aziz outlined the phased approach, explaining that domestic flights between Beirut and Qlayaat will mark the first stage.

“This initial stage does not require coordination with General Security or customs; it is a straightforward air service using small aircraft specifically suited for this purpose,” he said.

Over time, the airport will be gradually developed to handle more comprehensive operations.

The airport currently lacks a full runway, specialized security personnel, and other infrastructure, Aziz noted, adding that maintenance, lighting, and skilled staffing are among the priorities to be addressed in parallel with phased operations.

On the economic feasibility of the Beirut–Qlayaat route, Aziz said the government has begun studies but noted that Middle East Airlines has expressed no interest. He added that other carriers operating small aircraft, such as Embraer or ATR models, might consider investing.

“The first phase could be operational within three to four months, with full operations expected in a year to a year and a half,” Aziz said, while also acknowledging that financing remains a major obstacle.

When asked about proposals to build an international airport in southern Lebanon, Aziz dismissed the idea for now.

“For now, there is the Qlayaat Airport and another in Rayak that can serve as a secondary option. In the South, there is currently no airport to develop. Building an international airport there would require suitable terrain and guarantees against potential targeting,” he said.

Aziz concluded that a southern international airport is a project that could be studied in the future but would require stable geopolitical conditions to ensure its safe construction and operation.