Kataeb Lawmaker Selim Sayegh stated that the Parliamentary Works Committee proposed working on a national air transport plan and increasing the number of airports that may be allocated for this purpose.

He noted that all political forces welcomed the idea, but progress slowed due to the Israel-Hamas War.

In an interview with Voice of Lebanon, Sayegh said, “The issue must be examined from two perspectives. The first concerns what should occur in a nation experiencing normal conditions and peace, where a well-structured plan can be effectively implemented. This plan would facilitate the equitable distribution of air transport services, terminate exclusivity, and initiate development efforts in underserved regions, as airports generate numerous employment opportunities."

"Conversely, we currently find ourselves in an emergency state. Should the glass at Beirut Airport be shattered, it would lead to the cessation of operations for all airlines, including Middle East Airlines. Consequently, all employees would leave Beirut, effectively placing the country under siege and halting airport activities. We must consider how to navigate this new reality. Therefore, we ask the government what measures have been enacted and what legal barriers obstruct the exploration of alternatives to Beirut Airport," he added.

Regarding the Kataeb party’s request to operationalize Halat Airport, Sayegh affirmed that the party’s electoral agenda fundamentally includes the Halat Airport, which is currently under the management of the Lebanese army.

He emphasized the need for minimal upgrades to accommodate larger commercial aircraft, noting that the requisite infrastructure is already in place.

"The Kataeb Party holds the majority of the properties surrounding Halat Airport. We assert that given the current state of emergency—especially following yesterday’s Israeli strike in the Bekaa—there exists a tangible threat to Lebanon's internal stability. I harbor concerns regarding protracted funding pathways, but if there is political will, Halat Airport can be operationalized. We also seek to address another pertinent question: What obstacles are preventing the reopening of Kleyaat Airport?” he stated.

Sayegh continued, “We should delineate multiple avenues for action and execute feasible initiatives at Halat Airport while simultaneously working to reopen Kleyaat Airport, as this is a national imperative and funding is accessible. We are in a state of widespread emergency, and should Lebanon face a total siege, what alternatives exist to Beirut Airport? Given that we possess an airport meeting basic requirements, why not reinstate its operations?”

He called upon caretaker Minister of Public Works Ali Hamieh to refrain from imposing a total siege on Lebanon, asking  “Should we find ourselves in a situation where we must evacuate the injured and Beirut Airport is inaccessible, what solutions can we explore?”

In response to inquiries regarding the reopening of Jounieh Port and Kleyaat Airport, the Kataeb Lawmaker countered claims from some experts, stating, “The political authority must fulfill its responsibilities with the Syrian state, while aviation experts who raised technical objections should be consulted.”

Regarding the expedited draft law aimed at rehabilitating new airports for civil purposes, Sayegh underscored the necessity of engaging all stakeholders and pursuing every possible pathway, highlighting that the proposed legislation does not address immediate challenges that could arise.

He pointed out that such challenges could be mitigated through a ministerial signature, emphasizing that during emergencies, laws are suspended, and exceptional measures are instituted.

He highlighted the international interest in securing funding for the establishment of an airport beyond Beirut, stating, “We have established contacts, and there are business leaders prepared to rehabilitate both Kleyaat and Halat Airports.”

He directed a message to Hezbollah, asserting, “A strategic analysis will reveal that it is in its interest to identify an alternative outlet in Lebanon, and it must understand that national interest is shared by all.”

“Should the worst-case scenario unfold and the airport is closed, we will not succumb to despair; we will identify alternative means of reopening airports because our people demand to live freely and reject being held hostage. Our ongoing resistance and opposition manifest in both cultural and political realms, challenging the impositions placed upon Lebanon. This resistance is crucial as there exists a populace that refuses to endure military and security pressures," Sayegh said.

“Our current situation relies on a minister who lacks the autonomy to act and is politically constrained. There are no technical or logistical barriers preventing Jounieh Port from serving as an outlet for one and a half million Lebanese," he affirmed.

“There is a non-partisan parliamentary consensus advocating for the opening of these facilities, and every lawmaker who seeks to evade accountability must be held to account, as this is a rightful claim we intend to reclaim. Therefore, let Jounieh Port be opened willingly, rather than compel us to do so without their consent," Sayegh concluded.