A delegation from the parliamentary Moderation Bloc raised the issue of “operating” Rene Moawad Airport in Qlayaat with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, to ensure Lebanon’s continued communication with the outside world in case of disruptions at Beirut International Airport.
The delegation argued that Qlayaat Airport is already equipped with runways, a control tower, and completed basic infrastructure.
Mikati advised the delegation to raise the issue with parliament Speaker Nabih Berri or directly with Hezbollah. Consequently, they met with MP Muhammad Raad, head of Hezbollah's Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc. Raad’s response was an absolute refusal to operate two airports in Lebanon.
The delegation tried, to no avail, to explain that most countries operate multiple airports, citing Syria and Cyprus as examples.
The project for opening Qlayaat Airport to air traffic is lingering in the drawer of the Minister of Public Works, Ali Hamiyeh, who will not release it without approval from his pro-Hezbollah political authority.
The delegation argued that Qlayaat Airport is already equipped with runways, a control tower, and completed basic infrastructure.
Mikati advised the delegation to raise the issue with parliament Speaker Nabih Berri or directly with Hezbollah. Consequently, they met with MP Muhammad Raad, head of Hezbollah's Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc. Raad’s response was an absolute refusal to operate two airports in Lebanon.
The delegation tried, to no avail, to explain that most countries operate multiple airports, citing Syria and Cyprus as examples.
The project for opening Qlayaat Airport to air traffic is lingering in the drawer of the Minister of Public Works, Ali Hamiyeh, who will not release it without approval from his pro-Hezbollah political authority.
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