Beirut: Information Minister, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, hailed today the launch of the implementation phase and cornerstone laying of President Ren© Mouawad Airport, considering it a major milestone in Lebanon's national infrastructure agenda. Speaking to "MTV Lebanon" Channel, Morcos praised the efforts of President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, and the government for bringing the long-delayed project into execution.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Morcos emphasized that the airport's significance goes beyond reopening an existing facility, as it is part of a larger strategy to bolster Lebanon's aviation network. The airport is expected to complement Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport, enhancing national air transport capacity and operational flexibility. Morcos highlighted the anticipated economic benefits of the project, including the potential to boost tourism, trade, logistics services, investment inflows, and job creation. He noted that such development supports balanced regional growth, particularly in Akkar and northern Lebanon, while aiding the revival of public institutions in the region.
Morcos asserted that having a second operational airport in Lebanon is a national necessity, emphasizing that modern economies require an integrated network of infrastructure to sustain growth and adapt to changing conditions. He noted that attracting airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, could expand travel options for residents and the Lebanese diaspora, while reducing travel costs for regional and European destinations.
Additionally, Minister Morcos highlighted the project's potential benefits for Akkar's agricultural sector by facilitating faster, more competitive air freight exports to Gulf and regional markets. He explained that the airport's proximity to the Port of Tripoli could help establish an integrated sea-air logistics platform in northern Lebanon, enhancing competitiveness and attracting investment. Morcos added that modern airports act as economic hubs that stimulate commercial, service, and investment activities beyond transportation alone.
In concluding his remarks, Morcos stated, "Qoleiat Airport is not a project that solely concerns Akkar or the North, but rather is a national project for all of Lebanon, combining the economic, developmental, and strategic dimensions. It reflects the state's ability to move from the stage of studies to actual implementation in partnership with the private sector, which enhances confidence in Lebanon's economic future and its ability to regain its role as a center for movement and investment in the region."