Rasamni Follows Up on Runway and Navigation Systems Readiness Ahead of Qlayaat Airport Launch

Minister of Public Works and Transport Faiz Rasamni chaired a coordination meeting to follow up on the latest preparations for the reopening of President Renee Moawad – Qlayaat Airport. This is part of the intensive daily meetings he holds with relevant parties to monitor the completion of technical, security, and operational requirements ahead of resuming commercial flights.

The meeting was attended by Head of Airport Security Brigadier General Fadi Kafouri, Chairman of the Board and Director General of Beirut International Airport Establishment Engineer Mohammad Chatila, members of the Civil Aviation Authority Dr. Rabih Khatib and Dr. Injal Awad, Chairman of the Board of Sky Lounge Services Company Ziad Al-Munla, representatives from IBEX (Mada Airlines), Director of Air Navigation and Airports Engineer Kamal Nasr al-Din, Director of Joint Administration at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Munir Sabah, Director General of Roads and Buildings Engineer Pierre Maalouf, and Minister's Advisor Lawyer Hadi Moussa.

Head of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Body Captain Mohammad Aziz, who is currently outside Lebanon, was absent from the daily coordination meetings.

The meeting addressed the latest developments regarding the airport's technical and operational readiness, particularly ground markings and guidance signs on the runway, air navigation and safety systems, including the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system, alongside the completion of necessary equipment and facilities for operation.

Arrangements related to customs, public security, and the security apparatus were also reviewed, along with scanners, ground handling services, fueling, the installation of prefabricated housing for security personnel, and ensuring the readiness of infrastructure and firefighting capabilities.

Furthermore, progress on works to rehabilitate roads leading to the airport and fences, as well as other required tasks until the airport's opening, was discussed.

The follow-up included completing administrative and organizational requirements, and discussing the initial operating program which includes six weekly flights during the first month, to be gradually expanded according to demand and operational readiness. Preparations for launching the booking platform and conducting trial flights before starting commercial operations were also discussed.

Rasamni stressed "the necessity of completing the remaining works and accelerating the resolution of pending issues, especially from the side of the Civil Aviation Authority, with strict adherence to safety and security standards," confirming "the continuation of daily coordination meetings to ensure the airport's readiness and the safe and regular resumption of commercial flights, enhancing air connectivity and supporting economic and tourist activity in Akkar and the North."