South Korean Diplomatic Delegation Visits René Mouawad Airport

Korean Diplomatic Delegation Visits René Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat to Explore Tourism Opportunities

A high-level diplomatic delegation from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Lebanon recently visited René Mouawad Airport (also known as Qlayaat Airport) in northern Lebanon’s Akkar region. The visit focused on the ongoing reopening and rehabilitation of the facility and its potential to boost tourism between Lebanon and South Korea.

The delegation was headed by Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission Jeong Chan Lee. During the tour, the Korean officials inspected the airport’s facilities alongside Ziad Monla, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Monla Group (owner of Sky Lounge Services, the company managing the airport’s civilian operations), and Colonel Elie Kamel, Commander of the Qlayaat Air Base.

Review of Progress and Future Plans

The visitors examined the completed equipment installations and the rehabilitation works currently underway. Discussions also covered future operational plans and service development for the airport, which is being prepared to resume commercial passenger flights after decades of limited military use.

Sky Lounge Services is leading the efforts to transform the joint civil-military airport into Lebanon’s second civilian aviation hub. Officials highlighted progress on infrastructure upgrades, terminal improvements, and readiness for regional and international connections.

 

Interest in Lebanon-South-Korea Tourism Links

The Korean delegation expressed strong interest in the project, particularly the opportunity to use Qlayaat Airport to enhance tourist exchanges between Lebanon and the Republic of Korea. They noted the potential for opening new avenues of cooperation in the tourism sector, leveraging the airport’s strategic location in northern Lebanon near the Syrian border and its proximity to Tripoli.

This visit comes as René Mouawad Airport (IATA: KYE) advances toward commercial operations, with plans aimed at serving northern Lebanon, easing pressure on Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, and supporting economic development in the Akkar region. Tourism links with Asia, including South Korea, could form part of broader efforts to attract international visitors and promote cultural and travel exchanges.

Broader Context for Qlayaat Airport

The reopening of Qlayaat Airport is part of Lebanon’s push to develop alternative aviation infrastructure. Beyond passenger services, longer-term visions include logistics and cargo capabilities that could integrate with the nearby Port of Tripoli and the Tripoli Special Economic Zone. Strengthening ties with countries like South Korea aligns with goals of diversifying tourism sources and fostering international partnerships.

Officials from both sides viewed the visit as a positive step toward practical collaboration. As rehabilitation continues and commercial flights approach, Qlayaat Airport is positioning itself as a new gateway that could support not only regional connectivity but also targeted tourism growth with partners such as South Korea.

For the latest updates on René Mouawad Airport operations, destinations, and development progress, check official announcements from Lebanese aviation authorities and Sky Lounge Services.