Lebanese Prime Minister Nawas Salam has announced that the Tripoli Rene Mouawad Airport (KYE) in Qlayaat, Northern Lebanon will reopen to commercial flights Dec. 14, 2026. Preparations for the reopening began in March 2025 but have been delayed by conflict between Lebanon and Israel, as well as unexpectedly high construction costs. KYE was first opened in 1934, but has been used as a military base for much of its existence.
What has Been Announced?
Salam has announced that KYE will host a series of trial flights starting Nov. 22, and open to “regular commercial flights” from Dec. 14.
In a speech delivered Nov. 10, the Prime Minister said that the airport would,
“open new prospects for economic tourism and development.”
A full list of the destinations that Lebanese tourists will be able to fly to from KYE is expected by be announced Nov. 15, with booking opening the same day.
There are concerns however that KYE may not be ready to receive commercial flights on its nominated opening day.
Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar has reported that the equivalent of up to $6 million of investment in the airport’s refurbishment has been kept secret from the public, and that KYE could not be made commercially safe before Dec. 14.
The History of KYE
KYE was first opened in 1934 by the Iraq Petroleum Company, which used the airfield as a base from which to transport its employees around the Middle East.
The airfield was first used for military purposes when it was taken over by the French military in 1938, before falling under Nazi control during the Second World War.
After the end of the war KYE was opened for commercial use, but was converted back into a military base during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-90) and the 2006 Lebanon War.
Salam announced in March 2025 that the airport should be reopened for civilian use, and become Lebanon’s second international airport, alongside Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY).
Will KYE reopen on time? How important are international airports to developing countries’ economies? Let us know what you think in the comments.
