Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh has formally questioned both the Parliament and the government about the legal impediments preventing the reopening of the Rene Mouawad Airport in Klayaat. The written inquiry, submitted for parliamentary review, seeks clarification on several crucial points regarding the airport’s status and its potential role in alleviating Lebanon’s current challenges.

In a written letter addressed to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Sayegh highlighted the urgent need to mobilize national resources to tackle Lebanon's mounting crises, including threats to food and medical supplies. With rising tensions and concerns about supply shortages, the reopening of the Klayaat airport is viewed as a critical step to maintain Lebanon’s connectivity with the international community, especially in times of emergency.

“In light of the ongoing crises, threats, and challenges facing Lebanon, it has become urgent to mobilize national resources to address these issues across various fronts. This includes maintaining Lebanon's connectivity with the outside world, especially in terms of air transport, which provides a crucial outlet for emergency situations such as securing medication, food, and relief supplies in the event of an attack on Lebanon. Given the alarming tensions and disturbances affecting citizens, coupled with the fact that food, medicine, and relief supplies are in short supply, there is a pressing need to prepare for importing these necessities from abroad if threats materialize,” Sayegh said in his letter.

“An emergency transportation plan must be developed to address both the current situation and potential future developments. This plan should clearly outline alternatives for Rafic Hariri International Airport in case of its disruption and work towards securing these alternatives,” the lawmaker stressed in a news conference introducing the content of his letter.

Sayegh pointed out a comprehensive air transport master plan should have been implemented months ago by the Parliamentary Public Works Committee, as all parliamentary blocs had expressed readiness to approve it. However, the events of October 7 and their aftermath have stalled any further progress in the Parliament.

“Therefore, a bill will be introduced with a single urgent provision to expedite necessary studies within three months, requiring the government to initiate the execution phase,” he stated. “However, there is concern that the regional conflict may expand before the parliamentary session takes place, potentially delaying action by several months whereas immediate measures are required.”

“The airport does not require new legislation, so work can start immediately to enable it to receive passengers. Technical inspections have confirmed that it can handle various types of civilian aircraft. The current delay is due to a ministerial decision based on technical excuses, such as the lack of a control tower. This excuse is invalid, as control towers in Beirut, Cyprus, and Syria can cover Klayaat. Additionally, the Lebanese government should address the issue of Syrian flight approvals, as this excuse is not valid and reopening the airport would actually benefit Syria. The claim about funding is also baseless, as the state has adequate resources if there is political will,” he elaborated.

The Rene Moawad Airport, located in northern Lebanon, was historically used by Middle East Airlines for passenger flights. Sayegh’s letter underscored the airport’s potential role in emergency situations, noting that “the airport’s strategic location could play a vital role in reassuring both Lebanese citizens and residents."

“The Rene Mouawad Airport in Klayaat, located in northern Lebanon, holds significant potential due to its remote location, which reduces the risk of conflict or attacks,” the letter stressed. “The airport, covering more than 5.5 million square meters, has a runway over 3,000 meters long with additional 2 meters on each side, an aircraft hangar, and five fuel tanks each with a capacity of 100,000 liters. It is protected by a 13.5-kilometer perimeter fence and can be managed by the control tower of the Rafic Hariri International Airport,” Sayegh explained.

MP Sayegh, who asked that his letter would be also referred to the government, pinpointed the following key inquiries:

1. Legal Barriers: What are the legal barriers preventing the airport’s reopening, knowing that it was previously used for passenger flights by Middle East Airlines?
2. Operational Restrictions: Is there any official decision restricting Middle East Airlines from using the airport within Lebanon?
3. Government Stance: What is the government’s position on the potential reopening of the airport, especially since no official decision has been t taken to close it?

The letter underscored the importance of reassessing the airport’s operational status to better support Lebanon’s emergency preparedness and logistical needs, calling on the government to provide clear answers and take necessary actions to facilitate its reopening, thereby enhancing Lebanon's capacity to handle crises and maintain vital connections with the outside world.

“We look forward to the government's response from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Works and Transport within the legal timeframe to determine the necessary course of action,” Sayegh asserted.

The Kataeb MP also touched on the Hamat airport, saying that said facility is suitable for receiving military and certain civilian aircraft.

“It is anticipated to manage most evacuations of foreign nationals from Lebanon during wartime, underscoring its potential as a functional civilian airport. The required studies were completed during Defense Minister Elias Bou Saab's term and delivered as planned. Now, we must clear all legal and administrative hurdles in both Parliament and the government to bring this airport into operation. We urge both institutions to move swiftly from legislation and analysis to actual implementation, considering the airport's critical national and regional importance,” he noted. “We will work within the legislative framework to enact the necessary laws to officially designate Hamat Airport as both a national and international facility.”

Sayegh also addressed the Riyak Military Airport, stressing the need to set out the necessary studies to convert this airport into a mixed-use, military-civilian airport within the general air transport plan for Lebanon.