Qlayaat Airport Nears Relaunch: Seven Weekly Flights to Link North with Three Capitals

In a move that revives the file of operating Qlayaat Airport for commercial air traffic, Mada Airways announced its readiness to operate regular flights linking northern Lebanon with three regional destinations: Cairo, Istanbul, and Amman, at a rate of seven round-trip flights per week. The implementation of this program remains contingent upon completing the required official and operational approvals.

The company clarified in a statement that it intends to launch flights from President Rene Moawad Airport in Qlayaat and open bookings starting December 1, 2026, provided that regulatory and operational procedures are completed and final approvals are obtained from the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority.

It confirmed that the start of operations depends on meeting all regulatory and supervisory requirements, including airport accreditation according to international standards applicable in the civil aviation and airports sector, in light of discussions held during the meeting convened by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on November 13, 2026.

According to the preliminary weekly schedule, the company will operate two flights to Cairo on Sundays and Thursdays via Sphinx International Airport in Giza. Flights will depart from Qlayaat at 9:00 AM, while return flights will arrive in Lebanon at 1:00 PM.

As for the Istanbul route, it includes three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with departure from Qlayaat at 9:00 AM and arrival of return flights at 2:30 PM.

Regarding Amman, the program includes two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays via Queen Alia International Airport, with departure from Qlayaat at 9:00 AM and arrival of return flights at 12:30 PM.

The company noted that all specified times are based on local time in Lebanon, considering that the anticipated flights will contribute to enhancing direct air connectivity between northern Lebanon and key regional destinations, as well as supporting tourism and trade movement in the region.

It also expressed appreciation for the relevant official bodies, airport work teams, and operational partners, praising their efforts to complete the necessary preparations for launching commercial passenger flights from Qlayaat Airport.

President Rene Moawad Airport in Qlayaat is considered one of the most prominent projects proposed to activate transport infrastructure in northern Lebanon, amidst repeated demands for its commercial reopening due to the additional travel options it could provide and the positive impact it may have on economic and tourist development in Akkar and the North.

Despite the announcement of the program and the booking opening date, the flights remain in the initial preparation phase. This does not mean that commercial operation is guaranteed, as their launch remains conditional on completing regulatory and supervisory requirements and obtaining final approvals from the competent authorities.