Lebanon's second airport could receive passengers by summer, officials say

"The government has moved forward with plans to reopen Rene Mouawad International Airport in Qlayaat in northern Lebanon, and officials say it may begin operations this summer. The airport has been a highly politicised topic for years as economic and social concerns at times have taken a backseat to sectarian arguments for and against it."

"Officials and experts also said the airport, located 6km (3.7 miles) from the Syrian border, could serve large parts of Syria and Lebanon and provide an economic reprieve to a region with some of Lebanon's most economically disadvantaged people."

"From 1988 to 1990 during one of the most brutal periods of the Lebanese Civil War, many of the roads from Beirut to other parts of the country were closed by militias. To get around this, Middle East Airlines, Lebanon's national carrier, began operating flights between Beirut and Qlayaat."

Lebanon's government is advancing plans to reopen Rene Mouawad International Airport in Qlayaat, northern Lebanon, with operations potentially beginning this summer. Political opposition has significantly diminished in recent months after years of sectarian debate. The transportation minister will participate in a demonstration flight soon. Located 6km from the Syrian border, the airport could serve both Syrian and Lebanese populations, providing economic benefits to one of Lebanon's most disadvantaged regions. Historically, the Qlayaat airport operated during the Lebanese Civil War and hosted a historic 1989 parliamentary session where lawmakers ratified the Taif Agreement, ending the civil war.

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