A second Saudi aid plane, organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), departed on Monday for Lebanon’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. The plane carried 40 tons of health, food, and shelter supplies to help the Lebanese people.
From the tarmac at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, KSrelief spokesperson Samer Al-Jutaili told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi air bridge to Lebanon is an “open bridge” as directed by the leadership.
The first 10 days mark the initial phase, and the aid will continue until its goals are achieved for the Lebanese people, following the orders of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Al-Jutaili told Asharq Al-Awsat that the second Saudi aid plane is carrying 40 tons of supplies, including materials, equipment, and medicines to support Lebanon’s health sector needs.
He affirmed that the plane is carrying food baskets to support food security. Each basket weighs 70 kilograms and includes a carefully selected mix of nutritional items, developed with the World Food Programme. The baskets are designed to sustain a family of five to six people for a month, reducing the need for frequent food searches.
The KSrelief spokesperson said the shelter aid includes tents and “shelter kits” with essential items like cooking tools and mats, offering families the basics they need during the crisis.
Regarding on-ground coordination, Al-Jutaili stated that the KSrelief’s office in Beirut is currently “operating at full capacity.”
He noted that the Lebanese government is the main partner, along with coordination with UN organizations and civil society groups, such as charities.
“These partners have collaborated with the center over the years and are prepared to work effectively with us,” Al-Jutaili told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The first Saudi aid flight to Lebanon landed at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport on Sunday.
It was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Bukhari and a delegation from KSrelief, also carrying relief and medical supplies.
Bukhari highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Lebanon, announcing that the air bridge will continue in the coming days to deliver food and relief materials.
He assured that the Kingdom “will do everything possible to assist the Lebanese people during these difficult times.”
Bukhari noted that the air bridge operates with high transparency standards, supported by a specialized team, and has delivered over 350 tons of aid. He stressed the need to stand by the Lebanese people during these difficult times.
From the airport, Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin praised Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support and thanked all involved in delivering the aid, especially KSrelief. He said the assistance arrives at a crucial time for those in need.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with the Saudi delegation led by Bukhari, along with representative Fahad Al-Osaimi from KSrelief.
Mikati expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and announced plans for another meeting next week to discuss urgent matters.
“I am confident that Saudi Arabia will continue to support us as it has in the past and will always do so in the future,” said Mikati.
