Who Runs Qlayaat Airport?

A Comprehensive Guide to René Mouawad Airport (KYE) in Lebanon

Qlayaat Airport, officially known as René Mouawad Airport (IATA: KYE, ICAO: OLKA), is Lebanon’s emerging second international airport. Located in the Akkar District of northern Lebanon, it is set to transform regional air travel, economic development, and connectivity for the northern part of the country. Long used primarily as a military air base, the facility is now transitioning to joint civil-military operations under a new private operator.

Historical Background of Qlayaat Airport

The airport’s roots date back to 1934, when the Iraq Petroleum Company established a small private airstrip in the flat coastal plain of Akkar. Its strategic location—near the Mediterranean coast, close to rail links with Syria and Iraq, and about 6 km from the Lebanese-Syrian border—made it ideal for operations.

During the French Mandate period, it evolved into a military airfield. It saw use in World War II and later came under Lebanese control after independence. In the 1960s, the Lebanese Army took over and modernized it to support advanced aircraft. It was renamed René Mouawad Airport in 1989 to honor the assassinated Lebanese president who was elected at the site.

For decades, it functioned mainly as René Mouawad Air Base under the Lebanese Armed Forces. Repeated proposals to activate civilian operations stalled until recent years, accelerated by the need to reduce pressure on Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, especially amid security concerns.

Current Operator: Sky Lounge Services

Sky Lounge Services (also referred to as Sky Lounges Services) is the company selected to rehabilitate, develop, and operate Qlayaat Airport in its initial transitional phase.

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport awarded the contract following a public tender. Sky Lounge emerged as the winner among multiple bidders in May 2026.

The agreement is a 4-year concession. The company finances and executes initial rehabilitation works, including runway and tarmac upgrades, plus a temporary passenger terminal near the control tower. Infrastructure built during this period remains state property.

Sky Lounge Services is a Lebanese company with extensive experience in ground handling, private aviation, and civil aviation services at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport since 2008. It forms part of MG Holding, a multidisciplinary group. The chairman is Ziad el-Monla (also spelled Ziad Munla or Ziad Mulla).

This arrangement serves as a public-private partnership for the initial phase, with long-term operations potentially involving further tenders or expanded models.

Rehabilitation Timeline and Current Status

In June 2026, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny inaugurated the project with a foundation stone-laying ceremony and a symbolic test flight.

Rehabilitation works focus on making the 3,000-meter concrete runway suitable for commercial flights, constructing passenger facilities, and meeting international safety standards. A temporary terminal is targeted for completion within about 90 days following approvals. The airport is expected to enter phased operations, with initial commercial flights anticipated in the following months.

Passenger capacity projections start at around 114,000 in the first year, scaling up to over 600,000 by the fourth year. Initial destinations include Mersin and Istanbul in Turkey, and Dubai in the UAE, with planned expansions to Saudi Arabia, Cairo, Athens, and attractions for low-cost carriers. Cargo operations and logistics development, potentially linked to Tripoli Port, form important parts of the vision.

Strategic Importance and Benefits

Qlayaat Airport addresses several key national priorities:

Decentralization of Air Traffic: It reduces heavy reliance on Beirut Airport.
Economic Boost for the North: It stimulates growth in the Akkar region and North Lebanon, including Tripoli, through new jobs, tourism, trade, and investment.
Balanced Development: The project supports both military needs and civilian aviation.
Logistics Hub Potential: Its location offers strong opportunities for cargo, regional connectivity, and integration with other infrastructure projects.

The airport’s rural setting provides room for future expansion, unlike more constrained urban facilities.

Future Outlook

The Sky Lounge contract acts as a crucial bridge toward full commercial viability. Ongoing efforts aim to attract additional investment and position Qlayaat as a modern, efficient aviation gateway for northern Lebanon and beyond.

For travelers, businesses, and the local community, René Mouawad Airport (Qlayaat Airport) represents a long-awaited development that promises greater accessibility, economic opportunities, and regional balance. As rehabilitation advances, it is quickly becoming a vital addition to Lebanon’s aviation landscape.

Key Facts at a Glance:

- Location: Akkar Governorate, North Lebanon (approx. 26 km from Tripoli)
- Runway: 3,000 meters, concrete
- Operator: Sky Lounge Services (initial 4-year phase)

Expected Role: Passenger services, low-cost carriers, cargo, and regional connectivity

This project marks a significant step forward in Lebanon’s infrastructure revival, bringing new hope and practical benefits to the northern regions. As operations ramp up, Qlayaat Airport is set to play an increasingly important role in the country’s future connectivity and growth.