Qleyat Airport to begin commercial flights on November 15

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has announced that the first commercial flights from President Rene Mouawad Airport in Qleyat are scheduled to commence on November 15. Details regarding flight schedules and the opening of reservations are expected to be released on the first of next month.

The announcement has sparked debate regarding the airport's tendering process. Public Works Minister Fayez Rasamni addressed concerns about the need for new equipment tenders, following a previous $6 million contract awarded to Sky Lounges Services for the rehabilitation and operation of the airport.

Critics suggest that the initial tendering process may have been rushed or lacked comprehensive technical, financial, and security feasibility studies. The current need for additional equipment tenders five months after the initial privatization agreement has raised questions about the adequacy of the original terms and the coordination with security agencies regarding infrastructure requirements.