Lebanon's long-awaited second airport to open on December 14

Lebanon's long-awaited second airport, Rene Mouawad Airport in Qleaat, northern Lebanon, is set to commence commercial flights on December 14, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced. Passengers can already begin booking flights from the airport starting this Sunday, with the initial flight schedule and routes to be disclosed on the same day.

The new airport, located near the Syrian border, has been primarily utilized as a military facility for decades despite numerous proposals to reopen it for civilian use. The army has played a role in the redevelopment works under a master plan devised last year. The airport has now been named after Rene Mouawad, a former president of Lebanon who was assassinated in 1989. Trial flights commence on November 22, coinciding with Lebanon's independence day and the anniversary of Mouawad's assassination.

Mr Salam expects the airport to alleviate pressure on Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon's sole commercial airport. The new terminal is situated near Beirut's southern suburbs, which have been frequent targets of Israeli bombardment due to the area's support for Hezbollah. The ongoing Israeli bombing and occupation during this year's regional war have exacerbated Lebanon's economic challenges.

In June, Salam highlighted the Akkar governorate, where the airport is located, as having the highest poverty rate in Lebanon. It is anticipated that the airport will handle around 114,000 passengers in its inaugural year. Lebanon also hopes for an increase in visits from Gulf countries as it seeks to rebuild its strained relations with the region.

Fly Beirut, a low-cost airline, will commence operations in the summer of next year with a fleet of five Airbus A320 aircraft. The parent company of Middle East Airlines, the Lebanon's central bank, currently controls most of the country's air travel. The new budget airline will fly to cities such as Dubai, Istanbul, Paris, Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Düsseldorf. Lebanon's sizable diaspora and regular travelers to and from the country have frequently expressed concerns about high prices.