Rasamny: Beirut Airport Security Paramount; Airspace to Remain Open with Maximum Precautions
3/3/2026 4:41:12 PM
Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny affirmed that security at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport remains an absolute priority, stressing that the decision to keep Lebanese airspace open was taken in coordination with the Higher Defense Council and under heightened monitoring measures.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the airport, Rasamny said that the airport’s internal security is "fully under control," with security apparatuses, Airport Security, and radar systems tracking takeoffs and landings around the clock to ensure the highest safety standards.
Moreover, Rasamny noted that keeping the airspace open was not merely a technical choice, but one informed by past experience, warning that closure carries complex and far-reaching consequences.
"We’ve learned from previous experiences. Every hour of closure creates significant repercussions. We chose to keep airspace open with maximum caution and strict monitoring," the Minister said.
Rasamny confirmed ongoing coordination with security apparatuses and diplomatic missions to shield the airport and ports from any targeting. He acknowledged that recent strikes, often carried out without prior warning, require constant readiness and rapid response. An emergency plan and fully equipped operations room are in place to address multiple scenarios, Rasamny added.
On the broader outlook, Rasamny said no one could predict when the war may end but stressed the importance of remaining focused and committed to the ministry’s work plan despite challenging circumstances.
In a humanitarian note, Rasamny described scenes of displaced families along the road to the airport as the most distressing aspect of his visit. "Before discussing airport expansion, we are facing a major humanitarian tragedy. The south and the southern suburbs are under bombardment, and innocent civilians are being displaced. Our real concern today is to provide them with their daily needs," Rasamny said.
The Minister concluded that Lebanon was exercising utmost caution in this critical phase, prioritizing the protection of citizens and travelers while striving to keep vital facilities operational to preserve national stability under exceptional conditions.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the airport, Rasamny said that the airport’s internal security is "fully under control," with security apparatuses, Airport Security, and radar systems tracking takeoffs and landings around the clock to ensure the highest safety standards.
Moreover, Rasamny noted that keeping the airspace open was not merely a technical choice, but one informed by past experience, warning that closure carries complex and far-reaching consequences.
"We’ve learned from previous experiences. Every hour of closure creates significant repercussions. We chose to keep airspace open with maximum caution and strict monitoring," the Minister said.
Rasamny confirmed ongoing coordination with security apparatuses and diplomatic missions to shield the airport and ports from any targeting. He acknowledged that recent strikes, often carried out without prior warning, require constant readiness and rapid response. An emergency plan and fully equipped operations room are in place to address multiple scenarios, Rasamny added.
On the broader outlook, Rasamny said no one could predict when the war may end but stressed the importance of remaining focused and committed to the ministry’s work plan despite challenging circumstances.
In a humanitarian note, Rasamny described scenes of displaced families along the road to the airport as the most distressing aspect of his visit. "Before discussing airport expansion, we are facing a major humanitarian tragedy. The south and the southern suburbs are under bombardment, and innocent civilians are being displaced. Our real concern today is to provide them with their daily needs," Rasamny said.
The Minister concluded that Lebanon was exercising utmost caution in this critical phase, prioritizing the protection of citizens and travelers while striving to keep vital facilities operational to preserve national stability under exceptional conditions.