Qlayaat Airport Launch Delayed Commercial Flights Begin Next Month

Operations at Qlayaat Airport have been delayed, but commercial flights may begin before all requirements for partial civilian operations are in place.

Initially scheduled for October, partial civilian operations were postponed until before year-end, according to Public Works Minister Fayez Rasamny. Security, legal, technical and logistical requirements remain pending, including the airport’s transfer from military to civilian aviation control.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam later announced that commercial flights would begin in November.

Commercial flights are part of civilian aviation, while partial civilian operations involve broader preparations and procedures. Flights are therefore expected to begin in November as work continues to complete the remaining requirements before year-end. Further clarification on the timeline is still needed.

The plan would restore commercial flights to Qlayaat after decades, giving Lebanon an additional air gateway alongside Beirut Airport.