Türkiye's Beirut Ambassador Lutem visits Rene Mouawad Airport in northern Lebanon

Türkiye's Ambassador to Beirut Murat Lutem inspected the ongoing construction of Rene Mouawad Airport in northern Lebanon, stating that the project, notable for its strategic location, holds great importance for the region's future.

Scraper SystemJune 28, 2026, 10:35 AM

Türkiye's Beirut Ambassador Lutem visits Rene Mouawad Airport in northern Lebanon

Türkiye's Ambassador to Beirut Murat Lutem visited the Rene Mouawad Airport, which is under construction near the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon. During the visit on Saturday, Ambassador Lutem received information from officials on the progress of the works and the airport's operational plans.

Ambassador Lutem and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by Ziad al-Munla, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sky Lounges Services, the company that will operate the airport; Abdul Razzaq Hashefe, Mayor of Koullayat; and Safwan al-Dannawi, President of the Lebanese-Turkish Friendship Association.

During the visit, al-Munla gave Ambassador Lutem a comprehensive presentation on the project's implementation phases, the airport's infrastructure, and the operational plan that will come into effect upon the completion of construction. At the end of the visit, the Mayor of Koullayat presented Ambassador Lutem with a honorary plaque.

Strategic location and economic potential

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ambassador Lutem said that the Lebanese government decided to operate the site as the country's second civilian airport about a year ago. He noted that after the groundbreaking ceremony, the administrative procedures were quickly finalized, and construction works are continuing at an intensive pace.

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

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

Ambassador Lutem stated that this location will turn the airport into a significant economic hub, revitalizing trade and economic activity in the region. He added that the region also has promising tourism potential thanks to its nature, coastlines, and the historic city of Tripoli.

Initial flights expected in 4-5 months

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

Stating that according to the timeline provided to him, initial flights are expected to begin in approximately four to five months, Lutem said, "The airport has an extremely important location. Its transformation into an economic hub will undoubtedly boost trade and the economy in the region." Lutem said he knows that Turkish airline companies, particularly Turkish Airlines, are closely following the project, and noted that the process will be seen together once all requirements and preparations are completed.

Targeting completion by October

Ziad al-Munla, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company that will operate the airport, announced that they aim to complete the works by this coming October and then launch the first commercial flights from Rene Mouawad Airport. Al-Munla noted that the airport is located in northern Lebanon, near the country's second-largest city, Tripoli, and just 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.

"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," al-Munla said. He added that he hopes Rene Mouawad Airport will become one of the operational hubs for Turkish companies in Lebanon in the future.

Türkiye's Beirut Ambassador Lutem visits Rene Mouawad Airport in northern Lebanon