Closer to reality: Lebanon inches closer to launching second airport in Qlayaat

Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi  

The long-stalled project to revive Rene Moawad Airport, commonly known as Qlayaat Airport in northern Lebanon, is gaining momentum after years of political tug-of-war. 

Historically mired in accusations, particularly claims that Hezbollah opposed the initiative to maintain its hold on Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport, the project is now edging closer to realization.

Lebanon's Public Works Ministry is currently racing against time to secure the necessary approvals from both the Cabinet and Parliament for a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract. 

Under this agreement, an estimated $120 million is required for the construction and equipping of the airport, its operation for a fixed period, and its eventual return to the state.

Preliminary studies and the executive master plan have already been prepared by the engineering firm Dar Al-Handasah. However, the future use of the facility—which currently serves as a Lebanese Army airbase—has yet to be finalized. 

Several private companies have reportedly expressed interest in investing, with proposals ranging from low-cost passenger services and cargo shipping to pilot training and continued military use.

If developed, the airport could handle up to two million passengers annually and create an estimated 2,000 jobs.

MP Sajih Attieh, head of the parliamentary Public Works Committee, also emphasized the project's potential to boost the economy of northern Lebanon.

Strategically positioned near the Syrian border, Qlayaat Airport could also attract travelers from coastal Syria and regions such as Hermel, which are closer to Qlayaat than to Beirut. 

Qlayaat Airport's location outside the capital could lower export costs to Arab countries and revive activity at Tripoli's port. The proposal, which had long been viewed as a missed opportunity, is now being reconsidered as a vital economic lifeline.