BEIRUT, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Interior Minister Raya el Hassan said Wednesday that a new security system funded by the European Union (EU) will soon be operated in Beirut's airport, local media reported.
"The new system will allow the airport's staff to inspect travelers' luggage in a faster and securer way, and check passports more quickly, in order to enable a smooth flow of passengers," Hassan was quoted as saying by Elnashra, an online independent newspaper.
The EU has offered Lebanon last year a funding of 3.5 million euros (3.9 million U.S. dollars) aimed at securing Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (RHIA) against illicit trafficking and the threat of terrorism.
It will also provide training for relevant agencies working at the airport under civilian authority, and allow for the improvements of existing security infrastructures.
Lebanese Finance Ministry approved last year 18 million U.S. dollars in funding for the expansion of the RHIA.
The funding came after a steady increase in passenger number in the airport since 2008, according to a study released by the airport's Research and Studies Department in March 2018.
The study predicted that as many as 10 million passengers would travel via the airport by 2020.
Beirut's new airport will be opened in June 2019.
