Lawyer Majd Harb, former MP candidate for North Lebanon and son of former MP Boutros Harb, on Friday proposed an urgent initiative to rehabilitate the military airports in Qlayaat, Hamat and Rayak, transforming them into dual-use airports for both military and civilian purposes.

In a press conference, Harb announced his initiative of submitting a draft law to Parliament to urgently rehabilitate the military airports in Qlayaat, Hamat in the North, and Rayak, in the Bekaa transforming them into dual-use airports for both military and civilian purposes.

This proposal aims to accommodate passengers and cargo, falling under the scope of urgent legislation due to its critical importance for public safety, especially concerning the use of Rafic Hariri International Airport for travel to and from Lebanon.

Harb's proposal came amid concerns about the Lebanese airport which is at risk of being struck by Israel in case daily attacks between Hezbollah and Israel escalated to a full-scale war. 

'Crucial backup'

Last month, a report from British media outlet The Telegraph alleging that Hezbollah has been storing Iranian weapons at Beirut's airport has caused significant concern about the security of the Beirut airport. Social media were concerned that it might be used by Israel as a pretext to bomb the airport.

Other concerns regarding the airport include the risk of a cyber attack which could completely disrupt travel. On the night of Jan. 7-8, Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport suffered a severe cyberattack targeting several of its IT systems and prompting a wave of concern about the safety of travelers.

Albert Kostanian, an economic expert told L'Orient-Le Jour last year that having a backup facility is crucial for any country. In the event of damage, natural disasters, or political instability affecting the primary airport, a secondary airport becomes vital, he said.

Kostanian added that a second airport would introduce competition and enhance the performance of Beirut airport.

Harb also mentioned that several parliamentary blocs have previously expressed support for this idea, with over 80 MPs in favor of establishing additional airports.

A test for political parties

"The opposition's stance is clear in this regard," he noted, adding that the National Moderation bloc, who are affiliated with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s Future Movement, has also previously raised this issue. Harb stated that this is a real test for other parties who have declared their support for this proposal, expressing hope that the Marada Movement, the Free Patriotic Movement, and even Hezbollah, considering the country's interests objectively, will join in.

In September 2023, a joint meeting of the National Independence and National Moderation parliamentary blocs was held in the office of MP Michel Murr to discuss the reopening of Qlayaat Airport in Akkar. The airport, built in 1934 by the Iraq Petroleum Company and later expanded by the Lebanese Army in 1966, holds national and developmental significance, particularly for the northern region. The meeting highlighted the need for more airports to alleviate pressure on Rafic Hariri International Airport and boost the economy.

"This is a true test for the remaining parties," he said. "I hope they will put the country's interests above political sensitivities and the desire to monopolize power."

Harb announced that he will begin a tour of various parliamentary blocs to seek their approval, starting with the National Moderation bloc, which initiated this campaign less than a year ago, and then reaching out to other blocs.

"Starting today, I will be visiting parliamentary blocs to gain their support," he said. He called on the public and the media to monitor and hold the process accountable. "The public and the media must watch and hold us accountable," he concluded.

Majd Harb the son of the ex-MP Boutros Harb had run in the 2022 parliamentary elections on Kataeb's list in Batroun but failed to win a seat.