When will Qlayaat Airport open?

Lebanon’s Qleiaat Airport Advances with Technical Tests, Full Civilian Opening Now Targeted for September 2027.

René Mouawad Airport (also known as Qleiaat or Qlayaat Airport) in northern Lebanon’s Akkar region is moving forward with critical technical evaluations. Recent activity signals steady progress toward restoring the long-dormant facility as a civilian hub, though the timeline for full commercial operations has been adjusted.

Runway Technical Tests Underway with Civilian Aircraft

On August 9, 2026, three civilian Cessna aircraft landed at the airport. Onboard were technicians from Lebanon’s civil aviation authority. These flights focused on ground and runway assessments to determine the surface’s technical and operational readiness for larger civilian planes.

The tests form part of a broader evaluation of infrastructure needs before any major rehabilitation work begins. Early next month, another civilian aircraft is expected to arrive from Beirut. It will carry officials, relevant authority staff, and representatives from the operating company to support the handover and start of executive works.

Sky Lounge Begins Next Phase: Demolition and Temporary Terminal Construction

Sky Lounge Services, the company awarded the contract to rehabilitate and operate the airport, plans to start demolishing the existing old building soon. In its place, the firm will construct a temporary passenger terminal.

This construction phase is expected to take roughly one year. The temporary facility will include essential security, customs, and passenger handling capabilities during the initial operational period.

Revised Timeline: Full Civilian Opening Likely in September 2027

Earlier projections pointed to a possible autumn 2026 launch. Those expectations have now been revised. Sources, including Hamed Zakaria (head of the follow-up committee for the airport’s operation), indicate that full civilian opening is more realistic in September 2027.

Zakaria clarified that statements suggesting civilian flights could begin within three months were inaccurate and caused public confusion. He also confirmed that the existing military air base will continue operating alongside the future civilian airport.

Strategic Importance for Northern Lebanon and National Aviation

Reactivating René Mouawad Airport aims to reduce pressure on Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, create direct and indirect jobs in Akkar and northern Lebanon, and support regional economic growth through improved air connectivity, tourism, and logistics.

Sky Lounge Services holds a transitional four-year operating contract. The company is responsible for runway and facilities rehabilitation as well as building the temporary terminal. Recent supporting steps include the launch of recruitment for initial operational positions and a Ministry of Public Works and Transport tender for rehabilitating access roads, entrances, and esplanades.

What Comes Next

Technical testing confirms ongoing momentum. Successful completion of the temporary terminal and required upgrades to meet civil aviation standards remain the key conditions for commercial operations. While the revised 2027 target reflects practical construction timelines, the project continues to represent a significant step in expanding Lebanon’s aviation infrastructure.

This update is based on recent reports regarding the technical assessments and statements from involved sources.