Beirut: Under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam and attended by Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has officially launched the implementation phase of the Ren© Mouawad Airport – Kleyat Development and Operation Project. The ceremony marks the beginning of construction and operational works, with Sky Lounge Services overseeing the project following their successful bid in the public tender.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, this event signifies a significant milestone in reactivating the airport, following the completion of necessary technical and legal requirements. This move aims to reintegrate the airport into Lebanon’s air transport network while reinforcing its role as a national asset supporting economic growth.
The ceremony welcomed various ministers, parliament members, ambassadors, and representatives from economic bodies and international institutions. The event commenced with a symbolic aircraft landing, highlighting the return of air traffic, followed by an address from Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to development and economic recovery, particularly in regions like Akkar, which have historically been neglected.
Prime Minister Salam reiterated the importance of the project as part of a broader strategy to operationalize the Ren© Mouawad Airport, emphasizing its developmental significance. He underscored the government’s dedication to transforming the airport into a hub for economic and logistic activities, contributing to balanced development and regional equity.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny highlighted the project’s transition from promises to tangible implementation, stressing its national importance. He revealed plans to launch flights to destinations such as Mersin, Istanbul, and Dubai, with potential expansion to other cities, and discussed efforts to attract low-cost carriers to enhance connectivity.
Rasamny also outlined the Ministry’s vision to transform Kleyat into an integrated economic platform, linking it with the Port of Tripoli and enhancing logistics systems. The project aims to create economic opportunities, facilitating movement for citizens and reinforcing state capacity in executing strategic projects.
Mr. Ziad Monla, Chairman of Sky Lounge Services, expressed gratitude for the support received and detailed the project’s implementation phases, which include infrastructure development and the establishment of a Cargo Village. He emphasized the project’s reliance on technical and financial studies to ensure its sustainability and economic viability.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the foundation stone, marking the official start of the implementation works. The Ren© Mouawad Airport – Kleyat Development and Operation Project is poised to significantly boost Lebanon’s civil aviation sector, offering additional operational capacity and enhancing the national transport network’s efficiency.
Simultaneously, the Ministry continues to rehabilitate the road linking the Abdeh-Arida International Highway to the airport, further enhancing the facility’s operational readiness. The comprehensive preparatory process included drafting a master plan, conducting technical studies, and completing legal procedures, culminating in the awarding of the project to Sky Lounge Services.
Sky Lounge Services, part of MG Holding, brings extensive experience in aviation services. The company has been operational at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport since 2008, specializing in private aviation, ground handling, and passenger services, contributing to the project’s anticipated success.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport remains committed to overseeing the project’s implementation, adhering to standards of efficiency, transparency, and governance, ultimately advancing Lebanon’s transport infrastructure and supporting sustainable development across the nation.