Turkey's Beirut Ambassador Lütem visits René Moawad Airport in northern Lebanon

Turkey's Beirut Ambassador Murat Lütem inspected the under-construction René Moawad Airport in northern Lebanon. Lütem stated that the project, notable for its strategic location, is of great importance for the region's future.

Scraper SystemJune 28, 2026, 10:36 AM

Turkey's Beirut Ambassador Lütem visits René Moawad Airport in northern Lebanon

Turkey's Beirut Ambassador Murat Lütem visited the ongoing construction of René Moawad Airport near the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon. During the Saturday visit, Ambassador Lütem received information from officials on the progress of the work and the airport's operational plans.

Ambassador Lütem and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by Ziyad el-Munla, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sky Lounges Services, the company that will operate the airport; Abdürrezzak Haşefe, Mayor of Kulayat; and Safvan ed-Dannavi, President of the Lebanon-Turkey Friendship Association.

During the visit, al-Munla made a comprehensive presentation to Ambassador Lütem on the project's implementation phases, the airport's infrastructure, and the operational plan that will come into effect after construction is completed. At the end of the visit, the Mayor of Kulayat presented Ambassador Lütem with an honorary plaque.

Strategic location and economic potential

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ambassador Lütem said the Lebanese government decided approximately a year ago to operate this as the country's second civilian airport. He noted that after the groundbreaking ceremony, administrative procedures were quickly completed and construction work is continuing at an intensive pace.

Lütem, noting that building a new airport is not easy due to its financial, engineering and architectural dimensions, emphasized that Lebanon is managing this process harmoniously. Stating that the airport's location is of great strategic and economic importance, Lütem made the following assessment:

"The airport is located close to the city of Tripoli, which has commercial, social and cultural ties with Turkey. Its location just 15 to 20 minutes from the port and a few minutes by car from the Syrian border gives it great strategic and economic importance."

Ambassador Lütem expressed that this location will make the airport an important economic center and will stimulate trade and economic activity in the region. He added that the region also has promising tourism potential thanks to its nature, beaches and the historic city of Tripoli.

Forecast of 4-5 months for first flights

Emphasizing that the project is important not only for Lebanon but for the future of the entire region, Lütem expressed his belief that Turkish airline companies will show interest in the project. He explained that for flights to begin, the project must first be completed, the airport's capacity determined, and all licensing procedures related to civil aviation finalized.

Stating that according to the timeline conveyed to him, the first flights are expected to begin in approximately four to five months, Lütem said, "The airport has an extremely important location. Its transformation into an economic center will certainly stimulate trade and the economy in the region." Lütem, saying he knows that Turkish airline companies, especially Turkish Airlines, are closely following the project, noted that the process will be seen together after all requirements and preparations are completed.

Target of completion in October

Ziyad al-Munla, Chairman of the Board of the company that will operate the airport, announced that they aim to complete the work by next October and then launch the first commercial flights from René Moawad Airport. Al-Munla stated that the airport is located in northern Lebanon, near the country's second-largest city Tripoli, and only 6 kilometers from the Syrian border, emphasizing that this location also provides proximity to the Syrian coast and has the potential to serve the people of both countries.

Al-Munla said, "We attach great importance to cooperation with Turkish airline companies that operate flights to Beirut Airport. We are ready to provide any support and assistance they may need." He added that he hopes René Moawad Airport will become one of the Turkish companies' operation centers in Lebanon in the future.

Turkey's Beirut Ambassador Lütem visits René Moawad Airport in northern Lebanon