Critical discussions about Lebanon’s essential public infrastructure have resurfaced amid rising regional tensions and ongoing disruptions at Beirut’s main airport. Recent attention has focused on the potential reopening of Al-Qlayaat Airport and renewed calls to “liberate” Jounieh Port by transforming it into a vibrant tourist and commercial hub.

In an interview with Annahar newspaper, Kataeb MP Salim Sayigh reiterated his demand to “liberate Jounieh Port,” particularly in the wake of the devastating Beirut port explosion, which caused extensive damage and forced the closure of Lebanon’s primary maritime gateway.

When asked to clarify what he meant by “liberating” the port, Sayigh explained, “It means freeing it from ministerial bureaucratic restrictions so it can finally become operational.”

The concept of establishing a tourist port dates back 16 years, when Cabinet Resolution No. 179 was approved, based on a proposal from then-Minister of Public Works and Transport Mohammad Safadi and informed by evaluations from former Kesserwan MPs Naamtallah Abi Nasr and Farid Khazen.

Initially, the project was allocated $35 million, later increased to $47 million, with oversight entrusted to the Directorate of Land and Maritime Transport under the Ministry of Public Works.

However, the project has since stalled due to financial obstacles, which have only worsened amid Lebanon’s deepening economic crisis, leaving the plan in limbo.