Beirut: Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, on Tuesday announced the opening of bids in the public tender session for the operation and investment of President Rene Mouawad - Qlayaat Airport, in what the Ministry of Public Works and Transport described as "a pivotal milestone on the path toward reactivating Lebanon's second civilian airport after decades of waiting."

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the tender was awarded to Sky Lounges Services following the completion of procedures in accordance with the provisions of Lebanon's Public Procurement Law and in line with legal and administrative standards of transparency and competitiveness, in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Lebanese state while securing the best operational and investment terms.

The achievement comes after direct and sustained follow-up by Minister Rasamny, who placed the dossier of President Rene Mouawad - Qlayaat Airport among the ministry's top priorities upon assuming office, based on a vision that considers the airport's reactivation not merely an investment project, but a strategic national step aimed at strengthening Lebanon's air transport infrastructure, easing pressure on Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, and expanding the operational capacity of Lebanese civil aviation.

The project is also expected to serve as a major economic and developmental driver for northern Lebanon and Akkar through stimulating tourism, trade and logistics activity, while creating direct and indirect employment opportunities that would further integrate the region into the country's broader economic cycle.

In its statement, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport said the process "reflects the state's commitment to launching vital projects in accordance with legal procedures and the principles of good governance, in a way that restores confidence in the ability of Lebanese institutions to implement long-awaited strategic projects."

The ministry also extended its thanks to "all official, administrative and technical bodies that contributed to the success of this process, as well as to the people of Akkar, northern Lebanon and all Lebanese citizens who believed that President Rene Mouawad Airport - Qlayaat represents a unifying national project and a fundamental step toward a new phase of growth, investment and Lebanon's restoration of its vital regional role in the transport and services sectors."