Qlayaat Airport set to reopen ahead of summer season

Qlayaat Airport is expected to reopen and resume operations within the next three to four months, potentially ahead of Lebanon’s 2026 summer travel season, marking a notable development for the country’s aviation sector. If the timeline holds, the move would reduce Lebanon’s total reliance on Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, which has remained the nation’s only operational commercial airport for years.

A long-awaited alternative

Located in northern Lebanon, Qlayaat Airport  also known as René Moawad Airport  has long been considered a strategic facility capable of supporting national air traffic. Its reopening comes as Beirut Airport continues to face mounting pressure, particularly during peak travel periods such as summer and major holidays.

Officials familiar with the project said preparations are underway to allow limited operations at first, with plans to gradually expand capacity once the airport becomes fully functional.

Easing pressure on Beirut Airport

Beirut Airport currently handles all of Lebanon’s commercial passenger traffic, frequently operating at or beyond optimal capacity. During the summer months, congestion, delays and logistical strain often intensify as expatriates and tourists travel to and from the country.

The reopening of Qlayaat Airport is expected to ease that burden, offering an alternative entry point for travelers particularly those heading to or from northern Lebanon. It could also strengthen the resilience of Lebanon’s aviation infrastructure by reducing dependence on a single airport.

Strategic and economic implications

Beyond air traffic management, the airport’s return carries broader economic and regional significance. Improved access to northern Lebanon could support local development, stimulate tourism and create employment opportunities tied to airport operations, transportation and related services.

The initiative also aligns with wider discussions about decentralizing infrastructure and making fuller use of existing national assets, particularly as Lebanon continues to grapple with severe economic and logistical challenges.

What comes next

While officials suggest flights could begin before the summer season, details regarding routes, airlines and passenger capacity have not yet been officially announced. Authorities are expected to clarify operational plans in the coming weeks.

If successfully implemented, the reopening of Qlayaat Airport would represent a rare infrastructure breakthrough one that could reshape air travel in Lebanon and provide a long-overdue alternative to Beirut’s overstretched airport.