Kataeb MP Selim Sayegh stated that Qlayaat René Mouawad Airport “can immediately begin rehabilitation work to accommodate commercial flights and travelers,” assuring that no new legislation is required.
During a press conference at Parliament on Wednesday, Sayegh also confirmed that “the on-site technical inspection shows that Qlayaat René Mouawad Airport is capable of handling various types of civilian aircraft.” He explained that the current delay is due to a ministerial decision citing technical reasons, such as the lack of a control tower. However, this excuse is invalid, as the control towers in Beirut, Cyprus, and Syria can cover this airport.
Sayegh has formally asked both Parliament and the government about the legal obstacles hindering the reopening of Qlayaat René Mouawad Airport. The written request, submitted for parliamentary review, aims to clarify several key issues regarding the airport’s status and its potential role in addressing Lebanon’s current challenges.
In a letter to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Sayegh stressed the urgent need to mobilize national resources to tackle Lebanon’s escalating crises, including threats to food and medical supplies.
The Kateb MP also stated that “Lebanese airports need to be rehabilitated as part of a comprehensive master plan for air transportation, which has been under discussion by the parliamentary public works committee for several months.” He added that “all political blocs have expressed their willingness to support this plan.”
“Therefore, a bill of urgent dual nature, covering just one point, will be introduced to expedite the necessary studies within three months and require the government to begin the implementation phase,” he said. “However, there is concern that the regional conflict might escalate before the parliamentary session occurs, which could delay actions by several months, even though immediate measures are needed.”
Sayegh also addressed Hamat Airport, noting that it is well-suited for both military aircraft and some civilian planes. He further highlighted the Riyak Military Airport, stressing the need to conduct studies to convert it into a mixed-use military-civilian airport as part of Lebanon’s comprehensive air transportation plan.
Since Beirut International Airport (BIA) is the only one serving travelers in Lebanon, Sayegh expressed concern about “alarming reports that food and medical supplies could quickly deplete if Israeli threats were carried out.” Sayegh thus urged “the development of an emergency plan to establish alternatives to Rafic Hariri International Airport in case it becomes unusable.”
He also explained that “in emergencies, air transport provides essential relief, including supplying medications, food, and emergency equipment if Lebanon faces an attack, which is a daily concern.”
Additionally, the Kataeb MP argued that “the Lebanese government should dismiss the excuse of not having Syrian approval for air traffic, as it is a baseless argument. Reopening Qlayaat Airport is in Syria’s interest, and the funding excuse should also be rejected, as the state is capable when there is political will.”