On February 9th, Lebanese authorities denied landing clearance to an Iranian Mahan Air flight bound for Beirut, amid allegations that Tehran has been using civilian aircraft to funnel cash to Hezbollah. The decision triggered a swift response, with Hezbollah supporters blocking the main road to Rafic Hariri International Airport, prompting army intervention to restore access.
The incident has sharpened scrutiny over Lebanon’s dependence on a single international gateway located in a Hezbollah’s dominated area and accelerated calls to diversify the country’s aviation infrastructure. The government’s latest ministerial statement included the long-stalled rehabilitation of Qlayaat Airport in the north — a move that many see as long overdue.
LIMS has urged authorities to liberalise the aviation sector and open the market to competition across multiple airports. Lebanon’s exclusive reliance on Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport represents a strategic vulnerability for a country whose economy leans heavily on tourism — a sector estimated to contribute nearly 40 per cent of GDP.
Reviving and operationalising Qlayaat Airport could position Lebanon as a more competitive player in the regional aviation market. A second airport would increase flight capacity, offer operational flexibility, and reduce costs — especially if Qlayaat adopts a low-fee model that appeals to budget carriers. The resulting competition could translate into improved services, greater accessibility, and a boost in tourist arrivals.
Crucially, LIMS advocates for a model that welcomes private sector participation in airport development and management. Given the state’s chronic financial constraints and a track record of weak governance, attracting private investment would offer a more viable and efficient path forward. Under such a framework, private firms would finance and operate airport infrastructure — from runways and terminals to logistics services — in exchange for long-term concessions.
As tensions simmer and tourism remains a rare bright spot in the economy, Lebanon’s ability to modernize its air transport infrastructure may prove to be a critical test of reform credibility.
- Second Airport For Lebanon: Salam Government Brings The Qlayaat File Back To The Forefront. February 22, 2025: Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Article (AR).
- Global Companies Knock On The Doors Of “Airport Federation” In Lebanon… We Are Coming, February 24, 2025: Spotshot, Video Interview (AR).