Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the members of his sovereign government, under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun, have delivered a decisive political and economic message to the people of northern Lebanon: Qlayaat Airport is only the beginning of a broader effort to focus on the North and address its longstanding deprivation.

The dream of a second airport in Lebanon is set to become a reality on Saturday with the reopening of Rene Moawad Airport in Qlayaat, Akkar, for passenger and cargo transport, according to the mechanisms outlined in the terms of reference.

The airport will provide a promising gateway for northern Akkar, serving the public good and acting as a key pillar of the national economy. It also introduces a new era of connectivity and openness to the Arab world and beyond, particularly in light of the major political transformations taking place in Syria.

Located less than six kilometers from the northern border, Qlayaat Airport is expected to become an additional vital hub benefiting residents of neighboring Syrian border and coastal towns and villages.

Qlayaat Airport (Michel Hallak).

As a serious initial experimental step, the first civilian aircraft is expected to land on Saturday at Rene Moawad Airport in Qlayaat, carrying Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the Minister of Public Works, and senior state officials. It will mark a historic moment that northerners have awaited for decades, having long advocated for the airport as a key gateway to achieving the balanced development envisioned in the Taif Agreement.

The move sends a clear message, both domestically and internationally, that the Lebanese state remains capable, even under the most difficult circumstances, of opening new horizons and implementing significant development projects.

Qlayaat Airport (Michel Hallak).

Residents of the North hope the airport's reopening will be followed by further determined initiatives, including the Arab Line project, the rehabilitation and development of road networks connecting the region to the airport, the revival of the Tripoli-Abboudieh railway, and the reopening of the northern land border crossings at Arida, Abboudieh, and Bqaiaa.

It is worth noting that the late President Rene Moawad was elected in one of the airport's halls, and that the facility has remained inactive since the 1990s.

The head of the Parliamentary Public Works and Transport Committee, Sagih Attieh, said that the collective effort to reactivate the airport had created a positive atmosphere of cooperation and synergy. He noted that President Joseph Aoun had adopted the project in his inaugural speech, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's government later reaffirmed its commitment in its ministerial statement.

"With dedicated follow-up by the Minister of Public Works, we reached this moment, and we congratulate our people on this important historic achievement for the region," Attieh said.

Qlayaat Airport (Michel Hallak).

Attieh also explained that the airport will operate under the current arrangement for four years, after which a second major tender will be launched to expand the facility and construct additional runways.

He noted that the airport can currently accommodate up to 40 aircraft per day, with each aircraft carrying approximately 120 passengers.

Attiyeh stressed the airport's economic, developmental, and social significance, noting that it is expected to create around 1,000 jobs and generate approximately one million dollars annually for the state.

Qlayaat Airport (Michel Hallak).

He further revealed that discussions are underway with Syrian authorities regarding a partnership to establish a large airport project, adding that the Civil Aviation Authority and the Minister of Public Works are closely following up on efforts to ensure the airport serves both Lebanon and the Syrian coast.

He also confirmed that work is ongoing to address transportation challenges and improve the road network leading to the airport, a matter that is receiving particular attention from the Ministry of Public Works.