PM Salam Launches Beirut Airport Road Rehabilitation Project, Highlights MEA’s Role

Rasamny: The need to strengthen public-private cooperation 

Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, on Wednesday delivered a speech during the launch ceremony of Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport Road Rehabilitation Project, held at the airport’s Training and Conference Center, emphasizing the symbolic and practical significance of the initiative.

“In recent months, we’ve held several meetings with Middle East Airlines, and our most important gathering will be in a few months as we celebrate the company’s 80th anniversary,” Salam said. 

“This occasion today, however, is also deeply meaningful. Throughout my studies and work abroad, like many Lebanese, I always felt that MEA’s presence, through its offices, pilots, and crew, was a proud reflection of Lebanon, often rivaling our diplomatic missions. It truly represents Lebanon’s beautiful face abroad and plays a no less important role domestically.”

The Prime Minister highlighted MEA’s role in rehabilitating key airport facilities, including the VIP lounge, describing the company as a model of public-private partnership. “MEA is a private company with shareholders, yet it has a clear commitment to the public interest,” he said.

Salam also stressed the importance of the road leading to the airport, calling it the first impression for returning Lebanese expatriates and visiting tourists alike. He praised the rehabilitation work undertaken by Khatib & Alami and addressed the critical need for enhanced security on the airport road, noting that meetings have already been held with the ministers of defense and interior to that end.

Salam concluded by thanking and congratulating MEA Chairman Mohammad El-Hout and all company staff for their ongoing efforts.

Following the speech, Prime Minister Salam toured various MEA departments alongside the ministers of tourism, interior, and public works, where he received a detailed briefing from employees on the company’s operations.

Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny said that “our efforts to upgrade the airport would be incomplete without improving the road that leads to it—one that reflects the value of the entire nation.”

To fast-track the project, Rasamny stressed the need to strengthen public-private cooperation and noted ongoing work to establish a regulatory authority for civil aviation and all revenue-generating ports.

He added, “We made the decision within 60 days, and we hope to complete the project within the next two to three months.”