The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Lebanon's long-awaited second airport to open on December 14
Passengers can book flights from Qlayaat beginning on Sunday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam says
Lebanon’s long-awaited second airport is set to begin commercial flights on December 14, according to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Passengers will be able to book flights from Rene Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat, northern Lebanon, starting this Sunday, with the initial flight schedule and routes to be disclosed the same day.
Trial flights are planned for November 22, and regular commercial flights are planned to start on December 14, as stated by Mr. Salam. The airport is located near the Syria border and has historically operated as a military facility.
Redevelopment has been carried out under a master plan with contributions from the army, and the facility has been renamed after René Moawad, a former Lebanese president.
The terminal is expected to ease pressure on Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, which is currently Lebanon’s only commercial airport. The project aims to support broader economic and tourism development in the country.
The Akkar governorate, where the airport lies, has been identified as having the highest poverty rate in Lebanon, and officials hope the airport will help spur growth and attract Gulf visitors as ties with the region are rebuilt. The airport is anticipated to handle about 114,000 passengers in its first year.