BEIRUT: Lebanon’s government on Saturday inaugurated the country’s second international airport, which is expected to open to the public within weeks. A jet carrying Prime Minister Nawaf Salam landed at Rene Mouawad Airport, where he led the ceremony at the facility in Lebanon’s northwest, close to Syria’s border. Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport, which had been the only international airport in the small Mediterranean nation, has been working at near full capacity over the past several years, especially during Syria’s conflict, making it a main traveling point for Syrian citizens.

Lebanon’s government has inaugurated the country’s second international airport which is expected to open to the public within weeks.

Long-dormant northern facility is expected to ease pressure on Beirut and boost one of country’s poorest regions