As Lebanon braces for a much-needed return to normalcy, one of the country's busiest gateways—Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport—is undergoing a wave of improvements to accommodate the anticipated influx of tourists and returning expatriates.
According to an article in the daily Nidaa al-Watan, published Thursday, recent changes are already visible along the airport road, where political banners have been taken down and replaced with more neutral visuals, including Lebanese flags. Although some posters promoting a “New Lebanon” vision were subject to vandalism, the approach to the airport now presents a more welcoming image for incoming travelers.
In an interview with the daily, Minister of Public Works Fayez Rasamny revealed to the newspaper that a joint initiative is underway to rehabilitate the key route leading from central Beirut to the airport, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, Middle East Airlines, and several partner organizations.
The airport itself is also undergoing upgrades. Rasamny announced that a detailed plan to expand and modernize the terminal is ready, with construction expected to take between six months and a year. The goal: to increase capacity, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall travel experience.
“We’ve started implementing steps to make the airport more traveler-friendly,” Rasamny said, highlighting new contracts to renovate the airport's bathrooms and introduce updated baggage carts. “We’re also working on better traffic flow in collaboration with the Interior Ministry to reduce crowding.”
More importantly, Rasamny revealed to Nidaa al-Watan the launch of reform steps, starting with preliminary measures to establish the Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority, in accordance with Law 481, with the aim of promoting transparency and strengthening governance in this vital sector.
With a potentially strong summer season ahead, Rasamny underscored the importance of balancing short-term improvements with long-term solutions. “We’re tackling both urgent issues and broader planning to manage passenger flow effectively and avoid pressure points during peak times,” he said.
Security remains a top concern. Beirut’s only civilian airport has faced scrutiny in the past, but Rasamny affirmed that protective measures are being intensified. “Security at the airport is a red line. It’s managed solely by Lebanese authorities,” he said, adding that new scanning technologies are being explored to complement personnel efforts and curb smuggling.
“There’s continuous coordination with the army and customs,” he added. “Every issue is handled professionally. Our priority is to keep the airport neutral—protected from political interference and external tensions, while maintaining its role as a vital national facility.”
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