Renovation work underway in departures hall at Beirut airport

Renovation and modernization work is currently underway at Rafik Hariri International Airport (RHIA), aiming to "improve the airport’s operational efficiency and optimize the quality of services offered to travelers, in accordance with standards in force at international airports," the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rassamny said Friday that RHIA "will be completely transformed" within 12 months, during the inauguration of the first phase of the redevelopment work at the east gate of the departures hall.

He announced short- and medium-term projects that do not include the construction of a new terminal, a project that has been under consideration for several years and remains under study.

According to a statement published Tuesday, the current phase "focuses on structural improvements and basic services, including the completion of the construction of the Fast Track hall reserved for first- and business-class passengers in the west wing of the departures area, which will help improve passenger flow management and reduce congestion at main checkpoints."

Ongoing work also includes the expansion of the east side of the departures hall, "with the goal of increasing capacity and improving traffic flow during peak periods."

"The boarding gates in the east wing will also be equipped with electric moving walkways, in order to harmonize operational standards across the airport’s different wings and improve the safety and efficiency of boarding and disembarking operations," the statement added.

The plan also calls for "the installation of electronic E-Gates in the departure and arrival areas at security checkpoints, with the aim of speeding up screening procedures, reducing wait times, and implementing appropriate and advanced solutions for passenger traffic management." The airport’s restrooms are also undergoing a complete renovation.

The renovation work was designed by engineering firm Dar al-Handasa and is being carried out by Middle East Airports Services S.A.L. (MEAS), a subsidiary of the national airline.

Rassamny did not disclose the amount invested in these works, which are entirely state-funded. He also did not mention the awarding process.