beirut – Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam conducted an early morning inspection of Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday, accompanied by Minister of public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamani.The visit focused on bolstering aviation safety and passenger comfort as Lebanon aims to revitalize its economy through increased tourism.

Security Measures and Passenger Experience

During the tour,Salam met with Brigadier fadi Kfoury,commander of the airport security apparatus,and other officials to review enhanced security protocols. The goal is to streamline traveler entry and exit,reduce wait times,and improve the overall travel experience. Discussions also centered on increasing coordination among various airport departments to boost operational efficiency.

According to Lebanese official sources, Salam emphasized the importance of the unannounced nature of his visit. He wanted to experience the airport as an ordinary passenger, navigating the same path from entry to boarding, including inspection, public security, customs, and even the airport taxi.

President Salam insisted that the tour be not announced a while ago, as he wanted the issue to take place as if he was one of the passengers traveling through the airport, so the same path was from the moment of entry until the exit.The plane, as well as the matter in order to pass through the inspection, public security and customs, including the airport taxi.

Commitment to Development

Salam reaffirmed his commitment to developing the airport as a bright gate for Lebanon on the world. This commitment comes as Lebanon seeks to leverage tourism for economic recovery following a notable devaluation of its national currency since 2019.

He conducted a president #Council of Ministers Doctor #Nawaf_ Salam An inspection tour accompanied by the Minister of Public Works and Transport,Fayez Rasamani,at rafic Hariri International Airport,where he was briefed on the measures taken to secure aviation safety and ensure the comfort of all passengers.

president Salam held a meeting with the commander of the airport security apparatus, Brigadier Fadi Kfoury … pic.twitter.com/SbvnPYOXpf

— Presidency of the Council of Ministers 🇱🇧 (@GrandSeray) May 13, 2025

Enhanced Security and Personnel Changes

Recent changes at Beirut Airport include reinforcements from public and internal security personnel to ease traffic flow and prevent congestion. The public security system has been upgraded to address previous performance issues. Security measures have been intensified, particularly in inspection processes, to prevent smuggling and other violations.

According to sources, administrative, security, and logistical changes have been implemented, affecting employees and security personnel in customs and public security. Thes changes were prompted by concerns about performance and suspicions of affiliations with Hezbollah.

A security source stated that strict decisions are taken at the airport, in order not to leave any question mark around it, and security measures are intensified, to thwart smuggling operations and any violations that happen. The source emphasized the importance of restoring international and Arab trust in the facility, given Lebanon’s reliance on tourism for economic recovery.

the source added, there is more than one process that has been frustrated in the last period, as international trust and also Arab must return to this basic facility, especially since Lebanon relies on the return of tourists to it, Very positive economic repercussions.

Future Developments and International Support

further changes are planned for the airport, including enhanced security measures, advanced technical equipment, and more sophisticated detection devices. Protecting the airport is a top priority for President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The international community views these changes positively.

Lebanon is experiencing renewed international and Arab support, with promises of economic assistance, particularly from Gulf states. This support is contingent on the implementation of reform programs, including addressing Hezbollah’s influence in state facilities and institutions, such as the airport.

Optimism is growing in Lebanon, especially regarding tourism, which is expected to boost the economy after the national currency’s collapse. The UAE’s decision to lift its travel ban to lebanon in 2021 and the restoration of diplomatic ties with kuwait and Saudi Arabia are positive signs.

Aoun reported the raising of diplomatic portrayal between Kuwait and Lebanon with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and returning them to its optimal status, as well For the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to lift the ban on the travel of its citizens to Lebanon.