Rasamny: Beirut Airport stood firm in war, now it must lead in innovation
Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny officially launched the Beirut Airport Digital Gates Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing security, optimizing passenger movement, and modernizing airport operations at Rafic Hariri International Airport.
The $1.1 million project, executed by Black Delta Defence, was made possible through a partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funding from the German Federal Police and Denmark. It introduces 30 digital gates, including:
- Six pre-security boarding gates to streamline passenger flow.
- Twenty-four gates at the General Security area to enhance security and passport control procedures.
- A queuing flow management system to optimize efficiency and reduce congestion.
The project was launched under the slogan Beyond Aviation: The Smart Airport Experience!, marking a major milestone in Lebanon’s airport infrastructure development.
The launch event, held at the airport’s East Wing, 3rd Floor, was attended by key international dignitaries, including: H.E. Ms. Katharina Lack, Chargée d'Affaires of the German Embassy to Lebanon, H.E. Kristoffer Vivike, Danish Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Mathieu Luciano, Head of IOM Office in Lebanon.
During the event, Minister Rasamny delivered a strong message, highlighting Beirut Airport’s historic resilience and the urgent need to modernize it to meet international standards.
This airport has always been a source of national pride. Even in the darkest days of war, it never once closed its doors. Through decades of turmoil, its operations remained uninterrupted, standing as a symbol of Lebanon’s resilience and steadfastness,” Rasamny stated.
Despite the challenges posed by regional tensions, disrupted supply chains, and security threats, the project was completed in under two months, thanks to the commitment of all stakeholders.
The minister reaffirmed Lebanon’s determination to leverage international technology and partnerships to transform Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport into a world-class aviation hub.
We lack the technological capabilities that many other airports take for granted. That is why we rely on the dedication of our security personnel. Any security breach would set us back significantly. Today, all international eyes are on us, and the focus remains on reform, Rasamny emphasized.
Rasamny also stressed that securing Lebanon’s borders and critical infrastructure, including the airport, ports, and border crossings, is a national priority. He further highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that recent failures in road drainage systems led to immediate governmental investigations, proving that the state is taking action to prevent mismanagement and corruption.
The project was implemented in partnership with multiple agencies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Airport Security, General Security, and the Internal Security Forces (ISF).
Black Delta Defence, the company responsible for executing the project, was commended for its exceptional reliability and ability to complete the project under extreme conditions, including Israeli military aggression in recent months.
The German Federal Police, which has collaborated with Beirut Airport’s security authorities since 2021, provided €500,000 in funding for the project. Their main focus was combating boarding pass swapping and enhancing security verification processes.
The new e-gates ensure that only holders of valid, electronically verified boarding passes can access the security area, Ms. Katharina Lack, Chargée d'Affaires of the German Embassy to Lebanon said.
Denmark’s €250,000 contribution through IOM supported the restructuring of the security area in the departures hall, ensuring more effective control measures and smoother passenger processing.
Speaking at the event, Danish Ambassador Kristoffer Vivike reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Lebanon in strengthening its migration management policies, emphasizing that a strong, functional, and secure airport benefits both Lebanon and Europe by facilitating trade, attracting investments, and preventing irregular migration and transnational organized crime.
IOM’s Head of Office in Lebanon, Mathieu Luciano, praised the Lebanese authorities for their commitment to security improvements.
“Beyond infrastructure development, investing in people is crucial. In partnership with the Centre for the Reinforcement of Airport Security (CERSA), we trained 50 airport security personnel from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), General Security, and ISF on document security and fraud detection, he stated.
The event concluded with a site visit, allowing attendees to experience the newly installed digital gates. The new system ensures a seamless, secure, and efficient passenger flow, bringing Beirut Airport closer to international standards.
The Beirut Airport Digital Gates Project represents a major advancement in Lebanon’s aviation infrastructure. By implementing modern security technologies, improving passenger flow management, and strengthening international partnerships, Lebanon is moving toward a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive airport.
Full Speech by H.E. Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Public Works and Transport
March 7, 2025:
“Good morning,
Your Excellency Ms. Katharina Lack,
Chargée d'Affaires of the German Embassy to Lebanon,
Your Excellency Mr. Kristoffer Vivike,
Danish Ambassador to Lebanon,
Mr. Mathieu Luciano,
Head of the International Organization for Migration Office in Lebanon,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate this significant milestone at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. Your presence here is a testament to the strong partnerships that have long supported Lebanon in its pursuit of progress and stability. We deeply appreciate your invaluable contributions and unwavering support, which have played a pivotal role in strengthening our collective efforts. Your dedication to enhancing security, efficiency, and infrastructure has been instrumental in shaping the progress we witness today.
Despite the short tenure of the current cabinet, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is committed to making every moment count in service of the Lebanese people. We recognize that time is limited, but our determination knows no bounds. We will spare no effort to ensure that ongoing projects are completed efficiently and that new initiatives are set in motion to improve infrastructure and services for all citizens.
This airport has always been a source of national pride. Even in the darkest days of war, it never once closed its doors. Through decades of turmoil, its operations remained uninterrupted, standing as a symbol of Lebanon’s resilience and steadfastness. The unwavering commitment of airport employees, who continued to serve despite immense threats, is a testament to the robust spirit that defines this nation.
Spearheaded by the German and Danish governments, with support from the International Organization for Migration and executed by Black Delta Defence, this project overcame disrupted supply chains, security risks, and missile strikes. Despite these challenges, the team worked tirelessly, ensuring progress never faltered.
Lebanon has long benefited from the support of its international partners, and today’s achievement is a testament to what we can accomplish together. As we look to the future, we invite further collaboration with our allies, international organizations, and the private sector to support infrastructure projects that will drive economic recovery, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for all Lebanese citizens.
To the Lebanese people, we reaffirm our commitment to continuous advancements, integrating the latest global technologies to ensure access to cutting-edge innovations right here at home. Our vision is to transform Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport into a world-class aviation hub —one that meets and exceeds the highest international standards while enhancing efficiency, security, and the passenger experience. With determination, innovation, and strategic partnerships, we will position our airport among the leading aviation gateways worldwide, reflecting Lebanon’s resilience, ambition, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.”
