Beirut: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport's Press Office has released a statement clarifying the establishment of the Beirut International Airport Corporation for the management, operation, and investment of Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. The Ministry emphasizes that this decision adheres strictly to the legal provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Sector Administration Law No. 481 of 2002.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the decision to create the Beirut International Airport Corporation is not an arbitrary choice by the Government, but a direct implementation of Article 14 of Law No. 481/2002. This article expressly authorizes the establishment of a joint-stock company under the specified name. The law aims to separate regulatory and operational functions within the civil aviation sector, aligning Lebanon's practices with international standards.
Law No. 481/2002 mandates that the Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority handles regulatory, supervisory, and oversight responsibilities, while operational and investment functions are assigned to the newly formed corporation. Article 15 of the law assigns these roles to the Beirut International Airport Corporation, which is tasked with providing essential airport services and related activities.
The Ministry further clarifies that all shares of the company are initially owned by the State, with potential for public offering through the Beirut Stock Exchange, following the rules of Privatization Law No. 228. This ensures public ownership while allowing for future privatization opportunities under strict regulatory conditions.
The statement addresses media misconceptions, asserting that the corporation's establishment does not infringe on the Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority's role. The separation of regulatory and operational functions is highlighted as a core principle of the civil aviation reform framework in Lebanon.
The Ministry also refutes claims of company bylaw issues, specifically addressing Article 7, which confirms state ownership of shares with provisions for their future sale. The Council of Ministers' decision is portrayed as a continuation of the legal framework established in 2002, aimed at modernizing airport management and enhancing its capabilities while maintaining compliance with legal standards.
The Ministry calls for discussions on this matter to be based on a full understanding of the legal provisions, promoting clarity and accuracy in public discourse.