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Lebanon
Lebanon's Ministry of Public Works and Transport initiates the execution phase of the development and operation project for President Rene Moawad Airport in Al-Qulayaat.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport held a foundation stone laying ceremony and officially launched the execution phase of the development and operation project for President Rene Moawad – Al-Qulayaat Airport. The event was sponsored and attended by Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam and the Minister of Public Works and Transport. The project is being developed and operated by Sky Lounge Services, which won the public tender issued by the ministry in accordance with the Public Procurement Law.
This event marks a pivotal moment in reactivating the airport after completing the necessary technical, legal, and administrative requirements. It prepares the airport for reintegration into Lebanon's air transport system and strengthens its role as a national facility supporting growth and development.
The ceremony was attended by several ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors, representatives of economic bodies, international organizations, and stakeholders from the transportation and aviation sectors, alongside official, military, administrative, and economic figures.
The event began with welcoming the guests, followed by the symbolic arrival of an airplane at the airport, representing the return of air traffic to this national facility. Subsequently, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, and MG Holding and Sky Lounge Services Chairman Ziad Manla entered the venue. After the Lebanese national anthem was played, a documentary film was presented outlining the project's progress and various stages, followed by official speeches.
In his speech, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Youssef Fenianos, stated that the project has moved from the phase of promises and waiting to actual implementation. He emphasized that the airport is a national project belonging to all Lebanese citizens, not just the Akkar region and the north, reflecting the state's ability to turn postponed projects into tangible achievements when there is will and serious work.
He noted that the ministry has worked over recent months to overcome numerous administrative, financial, and technical challenges to launch the project, driven by a firm conviction that development is a right for citizens, not a privilege. The goal is to bring the airport into operational status within the coming weeks, opening a new chapter for air transport in Lebanon.
The minister revealed that the first operational phase aims to operate flights to Mersin, Istanbul, and Dubai, with studies underway to add new destinations including Medina, Cairo, and Athens. Concurrently, efforts are being made to attract low-cost airlines such as AJet, Pegasus, and Air Arabia to expand the flight network and strengthen air connectivity between Al-Qulayaat and regional and international markets.
Fenianos also announced that the ministry is studying operational partnerships with European airlines, including Ryanair via Paphos in Cyprus and Aegean via Athens, enabling Lebanese travelers to access dozens of European destinations at lower costs and with more options.
To improve access to the airport, the minister explained that the ministry is working to connect Al-Qulayaat Airport to the shared public transport network through bus lines providing travel between Beirut and the airport at affordable costs, making this vital facility accessible to various Lebanese social groups.
He highlighted that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is simultaneously implementing a rehabilitation project for the vital road linking the international highway (Abdeh – Al-Areeda) to the airport entrance, covering approximately four kilometers. This is part of a comprehensive plan to enhance the readiness of infrastructure surrounding the facility.
Fenianos affirmed that the ministry's vision extends beyond operating a new airport; it includes transforming Al-Qulayaat into an integrated economic and logistical platform by developing air cargo activities and establishing a specialized cargo village. Additionally, studies are underway to link Al-Qulayaat Airport with the Port of Tripoli, enhancing the integration of transport and logistics systems and opening new investment and development opportunities in northern Lebanon.
He stressed that the primary objective of the project is to create new economic and developmental opportunities, facilitate the movement of Lebanese citizens, expatriates, and investors, and reinforce confidence in the state's ability to plan, execute, and complete strategic projects.
During his address, the minister expressed gratitude to President Michel Aoun for his support and belief in the project, to Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam for his diligent follow-up on all project stages and determination to overcome obstacles and accelerate implementation, and to the army leadership and military institution for their essential role in the project's success. He also thanked all entities that contributed to reaching this stage.
Fenianos concluded by affirming that laying the foundation stone for Al-Qulayaat Airport does not merely signify launching an infrastructure project but marks the start of a new path for development, advancement, and restoring confidence. He considered the project as opening a new chapter in Lebanon's economic and developmental journey and confirming the Lebanese state's capability to achieve accomplishments despite challenges.
Ziad Manla, Chairman of MG Holding and Sky Lounge Services, expressed his thanks to the state and its relevant institutions, praising their role in supporting and advancing this national project.
He outlined the project's execution phases, which include gradual infrastructure development, launching international flights to key destinations, establishing a cargo and logistics system (Cargo Village), and upgrading runways, navigation systems, and technical equipment. These steps will prepare the airport for expansion and attract global and low-cost airlines.
Addressing the local community in Akkar, Manla stated, "The success of this airport does not depend solely on us but on your cooperation, support, and embrace. You are essential partners in its success, continuity, and development."
He noted that the project is based on technical, operational, and financial studies prepared in collaboration with international experts to ensure its economic feasibility and sustainability. He also highlighted the company's experience since 2008 in operating and managing civil and private aviation services, ground handling, charter flights, and passenger services at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Following the speeches, the foundation stone unveiling ceremony took place in the presence of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Works and Transport, and Manla, officially marking the start of the project's execution phase. The event concluded with an official commemorative photo.
According to an official statement, the development and operation project of President Rene Moawad – Al-Qulayaat Airport is among the most prominent national infrastructure projects in the transport sector. It provides additional operational capacities that enhance the flexibility of Lebanon's civil aviation sector and increase its readiness to accommodate future growth in air traffic.
The project is also expected to offer additional options for airlines and passengers, support the continuity of air services, and improve the efficiency of the national transport network.
From a developmental perspective, the project is anticipated to act as an economic lever for Akkar and northern Lebanon by attracting investments, creating direct and indirect job opportunities, and stimulating commercial, tourism, and logistics activities, thereby strengthening the region's position within the national economic cycle.
Alongside airport development, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport continues implementing the rehabilitation project for the vital road connecting the international highway (Abdeh – Al-Areeda) to the airport entrance, considered a fundamental component of the facility's operational readiness.
This project involves rehabilitating approximately four kilometers of road from the international highway intersection to inside the airport, including the main entrance and access yards.
The launch of the project's execution phase crowns a comprehensive preparatory process that included preparing the master plan, technical and economic studies, completing regulatory and legal requirements, and conducting the public tender that resulted in Sky Lounge Services winning the project after fulfilling all procedures according to the approved legal framework.
Sky Lounge Services is a Lebanese company specialized in aviation and related services, operating at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport since 2008. The company has accumulated operational experience in private aviation, ground services, aircraft and charter flight management, and passenger services. It is part of MG Holding, a group with a regional presence extending over seventy years in Lebanon, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, encompassing a diverse portfolio of companies active in aviation, logistics, infrastructure, technology, and healthcare sectors, employing over one thousand professionals and specialists.
In parallel with efforts to ensure the project's success and enhance integration among various transport sector components, the Public Authority for Railways and Shared Transport, led by Ziad Shia, participated in coordinating the event's logistical arrangements. This included providing transportation for several parliamentarians and journalists from Beirut to Al-Qulayaat Airport using newly launched modern electric buses as part of the shared transport project. This facilitated their attendance and movement to and from the event site, reflecting ongoing ministry efforts to develop sustainable public transport services and strengthen connectivity among Lebanon's transport facilities and networks.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport confirms its commitment to continue implementing the project with the highest standards of efficiency, transparency, and good governance to ensure proper management of the facility, achieve national interest, and advance the development of transport infrastructure and the launch of strategic projects supporting growth and sustainable development across Lebanese regions.
