Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny announced on Friday that several airlines, including Cyprus Airways, have begun gradually resuming flights to and from Lebanon, following a government-approved strategy to keep the country’s airspace open despite heightened regional tensions.
The announcement comes in the aftermath of a direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel that erupted on June 13. Rasamny’s remarks were made during an inspection tour of the Port of Beirut and Beirut International Airport (BIA), aimed at assessing current logistical and security challenges in the maritime and aviation sectors.
Port of Beirut: Enhancing Security and Oversight
At the Port of Beirut, Rasamny was accompanied by Port General Manager Omar Itani and other officials as he toured quay 10, the administrative offices and areas containing toxic and flammable containers. The recent government decision to begin unloading these materials marks a step forward in addressing safety concerns.
The minister also checked the operational status of the port’s scanning systems before moving to quay 16, where new customs control equipment will be installed using revenues from container inspections. “This initiative represents a quantum leap in customs security and will help restore international confidence in our ports,” he said.
Rasamny also noted that the upgraded scanning systems will align with International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) standards, helping combat the smuggling of hazardous materials.
BIA: Managing Risks and Modernizing Operations
At Beirut International Airport, Rasamny chaired a meeting of the Crisis and Disaster Management Unit, joined by Civil Aviation Director General Amine Jaber, Airport Director Ibrahim Abou Alyawi and Airport Security Chief General Fadi Kfoury.
The discussion centered on regional developments, particularly how to handle flight cancellations and repatriate stranded Lebanese citizens in destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh, Antalya and Iraq.
Rasamny later toured the airport’s arrival and departure halls, and visited the air traffic controller training center, which reopened in May after a six-year hiatus. A cohort of 35 new air traffic controllers, the first in 14 years, has begun training, addressing a long-standing human resource gap in the sector.
Concluding his visit, the minister emphasized the need to accelerate development projects before the summer season, such as installing new scanners, introducing fixed taxi fares and upgrading critical infrastructure. “Despite the constraints, the ministry remains determined to push ahead with reforms and modernize public services,” Rasamny affirmed.
MEA Cancels Iraq Flights Due to Airspace Closure
Meanwhile, Middle East Airlines (MEA) announced the cancellation of its flights to Baghdad and Erbil scheduled for Saturday, June 21, due to the ongoing closure of Iraqi airspace.
The affected flights are:
- ME320: Baghdad–Beirut
- ME321: Beirut–Baghdad
- ME322: Baghdad–Beirut
- ME323: Beirut–Baghdad
- ME324: Erbil–Beirut
- ME325: Beirut–Erbil
Passengers are advised to contact the airline’s call center at 01-629999, 1320, 1330 or mobile lines 81-477905 to 81-477908, email callcenter@mea.com.lb or visit www.mea.com.lb for assistance.
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