Rasamny inspects Beirut Port and Airport, highlights security upgrades

Ministry’s commitment to reforms

Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, on Friday conducted a field tour of Beirut Port and Rafic Hariri International Airport as part of his ongoing follow-up on critical transport sector files amid heightened regional tensions.

At Beirut Port, Rasamny was received by Chairman Omar Itani and briefed on operations at the general administration offices. 

Rasamny inspected Berth 10 and the hazardous waste containers slated for permanent disposal following recent Cabinet approval. He also reviewed the functioning of currently operational scanners and visited Berth 16, designated for the installation of new advanced scanning systems approved by the Cabinet. 

The Minister further underscored the strategic importance of the scanners in enhancing customs security and combating smuggling, stressing that funding will be sourced from scanning fees without burdening the Treasury.

At Beirut Airport, Rasamny chaired a crisis cell meeting with senior officials from the Civil Aviation Directorate, MEA, MEAS, customs, and security agencies. 

The Minister confirmed that Lebanese airspace remains open based on thorough risk assessments and Cabinet-endorsed strategies. He also praised the crisis cell’s coordination efforts in facilitating the return of stranded Lebanese from Sharm El Sheikh, Antalya, and Iraq.

Rasamny later visited airport halls and the Civil Aviation Safety and ATC Training Center, which was reactivated last May after a six-year closure. A training course is currently underway for 35 air traffic controllers whose appointments date back 14 years.

During his visit, Rasamny reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reforms, including scanner installation, unified taxi fares, and infrastructure upgrades in preparation for a promising tourist season.