The Ministry of Public Works and Transport confirmed that the operation of Qlayaat Airport will take place according to the specified program, explaining that the additional works and equipment required for the airport are not part of its operating contract, and do not constitute an obstacle to the start of work on it. The media office of the Minister of Works explained, in a statement, that the works mentioned in the letter submitted to the Council of Ministers are not part of the basic obligation to operate the airport, and therefore do not fall within the responsibilities of the investor or the obligations of the contract concluded with him. He pointed out that the basic award was completed on the basis of securing the necessary requirements to start operating the airport within the required operational minimum, and that work is continuing on this basis, without the operation of the airport being linked to the completion of additional works. The Ministry pointed out that the need for these works later emerged as a result of additional requests and needs submitted by the relevant security agencies and the Lebanese Army leadership, with the aim of raising the level of security, technical and operational readiness of the airport, stressing that they go beyond the scope of the basic works allocated for the launch phase. According to the statement, work is being carried out according to two parallel tracks: the first relates to completing the basic procedures and works necessary to start operating the airport according to the specified program, while the second relates to the implementation of additional works and equipment requested by the competent authorities, which can be completed in parallel with the operation and after the start of work. The Ministry confirmed that the awarding of these additional works will be done through the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and in accordance with the Public Procurement Law, through an open and transparent public tender, ensuring competition and equality between bidders and the proper use of public money. She stressed that these works do not fall within the investor’s obligations and do not represent any additional financial benefit to him, but rather are related to the public utility and the requirements of the official and security authorities, provided that the state undertakes to implement and secure them in accordance with legal procedures. She explained that referring the file to the Council of Ministers comes within the framework of transparency, defining responsibilities, and securing additional needs for the airport, and is not the result of a shortage that prevents it from operating. The Ministry concluded by confirming that Qlayaat Airport will be put into service according to the specified program, while the additional works will contribute to enhancing its operational and security readiness after the start of work, without delaying its opening or linking its operation to its completion.