Rasamny receives Qatari donation: 'Beirut airport will continue operating under any circumstances'

BEIRUT — Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny said Thursday that “Beirut airport will not stop operating, regardless of the circumstances,” adding that “coordination is ongoing with the U.S. Embassy to keep the airport and all vital infrastructure away from any threat.”

He spoke during a press conference held at Beirut – Rafik Hariri International Airport on the occasion of a Qatari donation to Lebanon, in the presence of Qatar’s ambassador Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the U.S. Embassy’s chargé d’affaires, Keith Hanigan.

The donation includes advanced air navigation systems and communication equipment aimed at strengthening the airport’s operational capacity.

Lebanon is facing its second war in less than three years, in a country already deeply affected by an economic and financial crisis ongoing since 2019. The escalation, which began after Hezbollah opened a front against Israel in support of Iran, has displaced more than one million people and left nearly 3,000 dead and 9,000 wounded.

At the height of the fighting — when Beirut’s southern suburbs were under bombardment prior to the April 16 cease-fire — the airport continued operating at a reduced capacity, with only the national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), maintaining flights.

Despite recurring fears that it could be targeted, the airport has never shut down during the last two conflicts.

Qatar has repeatedly supported Lebanon during past crises. It is among the Gulf countries that have been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones since the start of the Israeli-American strikes on Tehran.

Rasamny thanked Qatar, saying it “has always stood by Lebanon during its economic hardships,” while noting that “the burden is heavy and our needs are many.” He also announced the upcoming inauguration of the west gate of the departures hall, which has recently been under renovation as part of broader rehabilitation works at the airport. According to him, “new development projects at the airport will be inaugurated every three months.”

For his part, the Qatari ambassador said the donation “reflects his country’s commitment to supporting Lebanon across various sectors,” and praised “the efforts of Minister Rasamny and the airport’s management in developing this vital infrastructure.”