Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on Tuesday that engineering consultancy firm Dar Al-Handasah will conduct a free feasibility study for the activation of Qlayaat Airport, with a preliminary master plan expected within three months. Salam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reopening Qlayaat Airport within a year.

Salam revealed the agreement during a visit to Akkar Governorate, where his helicopter landed on the airport's runway. He toured the facility and signaled a clear determination to revive the long-neglected airport, promising a follow-up visit to unveil the master plan and other development projects.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny stated that his ministry has begun studying road networks leading to the airport and will maintain contact with potential investors.

"We will proceed along two tracks: operating the airport and promoting development in the region. There is potential to turn it into a cargo hub by leveraging its proximity to Tripoli Port and establishing a free zone and aircraft maintenance center," Rasamny explained.

Salam underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in attracting investment, particularly in northern Lebanon.

"Yesterday, I chaired a meeting of the Higher Council for Privatization to reactivate it for this purpose," he said. "We do not consider ourselves distant from Akkar, even if it is geographically far from Beirut. We are fully aware of the neglect Akkar has suffered for decades, and we have clear plans to address this injustice."

The prime minister also visited the northern city of Tripoli, where he held a series of high-level meetings aimed at addressing the city’s security concerns and fostering economic development. His visit comes as Tripoli grapples with longstanding instability and economic stagnation.

Salam began his visit with a meeting at the Tripoli Serail, where he convened with local officials and security leaders. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Tripoli’s residents, acknowledging the city’s past struggles with security instability.

"We are here to reaffirm the government’s dedication to securing Tripoli and protecting its residents," Salam stated. "We recognize the challenges the city has faced, and we are calling for enhanced coordination with security agencies. It is crucial that we firmly enforce security and not tolerate those who disrupt peace, in order to restore citizens' trust in their government."

The Prime Minister also acknowledged that the city’s instability is tied to the widespread availability of illegal weapons and socio-economic challenges such as high unemployment and poverty. He stressed that these issues must be addressed through comprehensive solutions.

“Security instability is partly linked to the spread of illegal weapons, but it also has a social dimension. The lack of job opportunities and widespread poverty are contributing factors. These issues require an economic solution,” Salam added.

Salam further discussed the importance of completing pending appointments in Lebanon’s security and judicial agencies. He urged the swift finalization of these appointments and stressed that if Tripoli is overlooked in this process, the government will demand accountability.

“We want to reassure the Lebanese people, particularly during the holiday season, that their safety is a priority. We are awaiting the completion of security and judicial appointments, and if Tripoli is neglected, we will hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

Salam then met with the North Lebanon Security Council at the Tripoli Serail, where he again underscored the importance of maintaining security in the city. He made it clear that there would be zero tolerance for individuals who disrupt public order and called for stronger enforcement of security measures.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need for improved border control to curb smuggling, laying out a new security plan to address this issue. Salam welcomed the upcoming visit of Lebanon’s Minister of Defense to Syria, focused on enhancing border security and preventing illegal crossings.

“We must control our borders and tackle smuggling through an expedited security plan,” Salam stated.

Additionally, Salam called for a unified effort to combat the growing drug trade in Lebanon, urging security agencies to intensify their efforts to fight drug trafficking and its promotion within the country.

The Prime Minister also called for the creation of a national plan to disarm civilians and address violations of both public and private property. He reassured security and military agencies that the government would provide the necessary resources and support to ensure the success of these initiatives.

Turning to Lebanon’s prison system, Salam highlighted the serious issues of overcrowding and delayed trials. He revealed plans to expedite the trial process and establish courts within prisons to accelerate legal proceedings, particularly for detainees who have been incarcerated without trial for extended periods.

"Many detainees have been held in prison for years without trial, which is an unacceptable humanitarian injustice. We are working on a plan to expedite trials and set up courts in prisons," Salam explained.

Salam’s visit also focused on economic development in the north, a region that has long been plagued by economic stagnation. The Prime Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to activate key sectors such as the Tripoli Port and Qlayaat Airport, which are critical to boosting economic activity and creating jobs.

“The north of Lebanon, particularly Tripoli, has tremendous potential for economic development. The government is committed to providing the resources necessary to unlock this potential and create new job opportunities,” Salam said.

Salam ruled out imposing new taxes, instead vowing to increase revenue by improving customs collection and combating smuggling. 

The Prime Minister announced that he would return to the north in the near future to launch several major development projects, including the revitalization of the Tripoli Port, the establishment of a Special Economic Zone, and other infrastructure initiatives.

Salam emphasized that Tripoli and the northern region as a whole are central to Lebanon’s overall development, noting that economic growth in the area would foster a greater sense of national unity. He also pledged to address the region’s historical neglect, working to uplift local communities from economic hardship.

“Tripoli and the north are the heart of Lebanon. The entire region needs a comprehensive economic and developmental recovery plan, as development is what creates a sense of belonging,” Salam said.

During his visit, Salam met with several members of parliament from Tripoli and the surrounding areas. The MPs expressed strong support for the Prime Minister’s initiatives, particularly his focus on improving security and development in the region. They also called for additional support from the government in areas such as infrastructure, job creation, and the overall well-being of the population.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s visit and his focus on Tripoli. It’s a step forward for the region, and we are hopeful that his efforts to improve security and development will continue,” the MPs said.

As his visit drew to a close, Salam reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring confidence in Lebanon’s institutions. He stressed that the key focus moving forward would be to create a stable and secure environment for all Lebanese citizens, particularly in Tripoli and other regions across the country.

“Restoring trust in state institutions and ensuring a stable, secure environment for the Lebanese people are our top priorities. This can only be achieved through cooperation among all security agencies and a firm commitment to upholding law and order,” Salam concluded.