Rasamny Reviews Final Preparations for Qlayaat Airport Reopening
Minister of Public Works Fayez Rasamny chaired a coordination meeting to review the latest preparations for reopening President René Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat, as part of intensive daily consultations with relevant authorities to ensure the completion of technical, security and operational requirements ahead of the resumption of commercial flights.
The meeting was attended by Airport Security Chief Brigadier General Fadi Kfoury, Beirut International Airport Enterprise Chairman and Director General Engineer Mohammad Chatila, Civil Aviation Authority members Dr. Rabih Khatib and Dr. Injal Awad, Sky Lounge Services Chairman Ziad Al-Munla, representatives of IBEX (Mada Airlines), Director of Air Navigation and Airports Engineer Kamal Nassereddine, Director of Joint Administration at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Mounir Soboh, Director General of Roads and Buildings Engineer Pierre Maalouf, and Ministerial Adviser Attorney Hadi Moussa.
Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority Chairman Captain Mohammad Aziz, who is currently outside Lebanon, was absent from the daily coordination meetings.
Discussions focused on the airport’s technical and operational readiness, particularly runway markings and signage, air navigation and aviation safety systems, including the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), as well as the completion of essential operational facilities and equipment.
Participants also reviewed arrangements involving Customs, General Security and airport security personnel, security scanners, ground handling services and aircraft fueling, alongside the installation of prefabricated accommodation units for security personnel and verification of infrastructure and firefighting readiness.
The meeting further examined progress on rehabilitating access roads, perimeter fencing and other works required before the airport’s opening.
Administrative and regulatory requirements were also addressed, along with an initial operating schedule for six flights per week during the first month, with services to expand gradually according to demand and operational readiness.
Preparations for launching the booking platform and conducting test flights ahead of commercial operations were also discussed.
Rasamny stressed the need to complete outstanding works and expedite the resolution of pending issues, particularly those involving the Civil Aviation Authority, while strictly adhering to aviation safety and security standards.
He reaffirmed that daily coordination meetings would continue to ensure the airport’s readiness and the safe, orderly resumption of commercial flights, strengthening air connectivity and supporting economic and tourism activity in Akkar and northern Lebanon.
