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Qlayaat Airport Set for Takeoff: When Do Flights and Bookings Begin?
Preparations are intensifying to reopen Qlayaat Airport in northern Lebanon, raising hopes for new commercial flight options and easier travel to and from the country. Travelers and industry observers are closely watching for the start of scheduled services and the opening of bookings.
First Airline Ready: MADA Airlines to Lead Operations
MADA Airlines is positioned as the first carrier to operate from the reopened airport. Dr. Ahmed Al-Hajj, owner of MADA Airlines, confirmed the company is prepared to launch flights as early as November 1. However, the official start depends on the airport operator giving the green light after completing remaining operational preparations.
Al-Hajj noted that the airline will need roughly ten days after the airport is declared ready before flights can begin. The first commercial flight is currently targeted for **November 15**.
Bookings and full route details will be announced by MADA Airlines through its official channels once the airport confirms readiness.
Airport Operator Outlines Timeline and Ambitions
Ziad Monla, chairman of Monla Group Holding (owner of Sky Lounges Services, the airport operator), stated that the opening of bookings for tourist and commercial flights rests with the airlines—particularly MADA Airlines in the initial phase.
Monla emphasized that Qlayaat Airport will not be limited to a single carrier. The long-term goal is to attract local, regional Arab, and international airlines, gradually expanding destinations and flight frequency to strengthen air connectivity for Lebanon.
Coordination and Airspace Considerations
Initial flights planned by MADA Airlines do not require passage through Syrian airspace, according to Monla. Coordination with relevant Syrian authorities continues as part of broader air traffic arrangements, but it is not a prerequisite for the first phase of operations.
All parties stress that flights will proceed only in line with established safety and operational standards.
What This Means for Travelers
The reopening of Qlayaat Airport is expected to ease pressure on existing routes, offer more departure options from northern Lebanon, and support tourism and business travel. Exact booking windows, destinations, and schedules will be released by MADA Airlines once the airport operator confirms full readiness.
As of late October 2026, the key milestones remain:
– Airport operational readiness confirmation
– Official announcement of booking opening by MADA Airlines
– Targeted first commercial flight on November 15
Travelers interested in flying from Qlayaat should monitor MADA Airlines’ official channels for the latest updates on routes and reservations.
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