Public Works Committee puts Qlayaat Airport on the path to operation: official consensus paves the way for a development launch in the North

The Public Works, Transport, Energy and Water Committee held a session at Parliament chaired by MP Sajih Attieh, in the presence of Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, along with committee members and representatives of the relevant administrations, dedicated to discussing the file of Qlayaat Airport – President Rene Moawad Airport.

After the session, Attieh described the discussion as a “historic day,” noting that the project is the fruit of a long course of joint efforts that began with the inaugural oath speech of His Excellency the President of the Republic, passing through the ministerial statement, the government, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and the Ministry of Public Works, all the way to the Civil Aviation Authority.

He stressed that Qlayaat Airport represents “a glimmer of hope amid difficult circumstances,” pointing out that it is the result of broad political cooperation and integration among various parties, with special appreciation for the efforts of the “National Moderation Bloc” and the MPs concerned with the Akkar file, in addition to the partnership between the public and private sectors.

For his part, MP Mohammad Suleiman said that operating the airport constitutes “long-awaited good news for the North,” stressing that it is a national priority capable of providing job opportunities and boosting economic activity, and affirming that Lebanon needs more than one airport.

Meanwhile, the head of the Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Mohammad Aziz, explained that the project’s technical vision is based on directives from the Presidency and the government, noting close follow-up of the file from the technical standpoint.

In the same context, Attieh revealed that, according to studies, the airport could serve Arab and European destinations, expecting operations to begin around ninety days after the works are handed over. He emphasized that it would not compete with Beirut Airport but rather complement it, alongside efforts to reduce fees and offer operational incentives suited to the realities of the region.