Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon will add commercial passenger service at a second airport in Qlayaat, a project he said could support economic and tourism activity.
Rene Mouawad Airport is in Qlayaat, northern Lebanon. The National reported that the site has spent decades serving military purposes, following earlier calls to restore civilian flights.
The proposed service would give passengers another option alongside Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, which The National described as Lebanon’s only commercial airport at present. The outlet said the new terminal is expected to reduce pressure on the Beirut facility.
Salam presented the project as a way to encourage economic activity and tourism. The National reported Lebanon is also hoping to bring more visitors from Gulf countries while seeking stronger regional ties.
The airport was named for Rene Mouawad, a former Lebanese president who was assassinated shortly after being elected in 1989, The National reported. Salam said commercial operations are due to begin Dec. 14.
