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Book tickets with Mada Airways – Lebanon
Mada Airways Lebanon – Comprehensive Guide to the New Airline Based at Qlayaat Airport
Mada Airways is Lebanon’s newest commercial airline and the first domestically registered passenger carrier launched in the country since 1969. Headquartered operationally at René Moawad Airport (commonly known as Qlayaat Airport or Qleiaat Airport) in northern Lebanon, the airline represents a major shift in the nation’s aviation landscape. With a clear focus on regional connectivity, competitive fares, and the economic revitalization of the Akkar region, Mada Airways is positioning itself as a modern, accessible alternative for both Lebanese travelers and international passengers.
Looking Ahead
Mada Airways enters the market at a pivotal moment for Lebanese aviation. With its exclusive base at Qlayaat Airport, a modern regional fleet, competitive pricing philosophy, and strong regional focus, the airline is well-positioned to play a meaningful role in reconnecting northern Lebanon with the wider Middle East and Mediterranean.
As operations begin and the route network expands, Mada Airways aims to become a reliable, accessible, and locally rooted airline that contributes both to passenger mobility and to the long-term development of Lebanon’s northern regions.
Company Overview and Vision
Mada Airways was established to fill the gap created by the end of Middle East Airlines’ (MEA) long-standing monopoly on Lebanese-registered commercial aviation. The company’s vision is to provide reliable, affordable regional air travel while supporting the development of northern Lebanon. By basing all operations exclusively at Qlayaat Airport, Mada Airways aims to become the flagship carrier of Lebanon’s second international civilian airport.
The airline’s mission centers on three pillars:
- – Expanding air connectivity for underserved regions
- – Offering competitive pricing similar to low-cost carriers
- – Contributing to local economic growth through jobs, tourism, and trade
Ownership and Leadership
Mada Airways is a sister company of IBEX Air Charter, a private jet and charter operator with bases in Beirut and Congo.
This connection brings valuable aviation expertise in aircraft management, crew training, and operational logistics.
General Manager Imad Raad leads the project. Under his direction, the company has advanced preparations for obtaining the necessary Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and aligning operations with the ongoing rehabilitation of Qlayaat Airport.
The leadership team emphasizes safety, efficiency, and passenger-focused service as core values.
Planned Fleet
The initial fleet consists of modern regional jets leased for efficiency and passenger comfort:
- – One Embraer E170 (approximately 80 seats)
- – One Embraer E190 (nearly 100 seats)
These aircraft are well-suited for short- and medium-haul routes typical of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
The choice of Embraer jets allows for lower operating costs, good performance on regional runways, and a comfortable cabin experience for passengers.
Exclusive Base: Qlayaat Airport (René Moawad Airport)
Qlayaat Airport, located in the Akkar District of northern Lebanon, serves as the sole operational base for Mada Airways. The airport lies approximately 6 km from the Syrian border, a few hundred meters from the Mediterranean coast, and about 26 km from Tripoli. Its IATA code is KYE.
For decades the facility operated primarily as a military air base with only limited civilian use. In 2026 the Lebanese government launched a major rehabilitation project under operator Sky Lounge Services. The goal is to transform Qlayaat into a fully functional second international civilian airport for Lebanon. Expected first-year passenger traffic is projected between 100,000 and 114,000, with substantial growth anticipated in subsequent years.
Mada Airways’ decision to base itself exclusively at Qlayaat makes it the pioneering commercial airline of the facility and a key partner in the airport’s success.
Proposed Destinations and Route Network
Mada Airways plans to launch with a network of high-demand regional destinations. Confirmed proposed routes include:
- Mersin (Turkey)
- Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
- Athens (Greece)
- Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
- Cyprus
Additional destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Gulf region are under evaluation. The route strategy prioritizes cities with strong diaspora links, business potential, and tourism interest, while keeping flying times relatively short.
Economic and Regional Impact
By establishing operations in northern Lebanon, Mada Airways supports job creation in areas such as flight operations, ground handling, customer service, maintenance, and airport-related services. Improved air connectivity is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic ties between Akkar, Tripoli, and the rest of the country as well as neighboring regions.
The airline’s presence also complements the government’s broader strategy to reduce pressure on Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport and distribute aviation activity more evenly across Lebanon.
Pricing Strategy and Passenger Experience
The airline intends to offer competitive fares comparable to low-cost carriers. This approach aims to make air travel more accessible to a broader segment of the Lebanese population and to attract price-sensitive international travelers.
Passengers can expect a straightforward, efficient travel experience focused on reliability, punctuality, and essential comfort. As a new carrier, Mada Airways has the opportunity to design modern boarding processes, clear communication, and customer service standards from the ground up.
Regulatory Status and Launch Timeline
As of late October 2026, Mada Airways is in the advanced startup phase.
The company is awaiting final issuance of its Air Operator Certificate and the full civilian operational readiness of Qlayaat Airport.
The first commercial flight from the airport is currently targeted for mid-November 2026. Once these milestones are achieved, Mada Airways is expected to begin scheduled passenger services.
Position in Lebanon’s Evolving Aviation Market
The arrival of Mada Airways signals the end of an era of monopoly and the beginning of greater competition and choice for travelers. While MEA remains the national flag carrier and is developing its own low-cost subsidiary (Fly Beirut) for 2027, Mada Airways carves out a distinct niche by focusing exclusively on Qlayaat Airport and regional routes.
This multi-airport, multi-carrier environment is expected to benefit passengers through more options, potentially lower fares, and improved overall connectivity.
