Lebanon Airport Faces Certification Crisis, Jeopardizing Direct US Flights

Lebanon's primary airport is reportedly operating without valid certification and faces significant regulatory issues that could impede the resumption of direct flights between Beirut and the United States, according to a Reuters report citing the UN aviation agency. This development follows a recent order by US President Donald Trump to permit direct flights from the US to Lebanon, reversing a ban that had been in place for over four decades since the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847, which landed in Beirut. Although the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) still need to conduct safety assessments before flights can recommence, the Lebanese embassy in Washington hailed President Trump's directive as a 'significant first step towards restoring direct air service between Lebanon and the United States'.

However, a technical assistance mission conducted by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in July identified deficiencies at Rafic Hariri International Airport and within Lebanon's broader aviation system. These findings, detailed in an internal report sent to Lebanon in September at the request of the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), could potentially complicate President Trump's efforts to re-establish direct air travel. Three US airline officials, speaking to Reuters, indicated that American carriers are unlikely to resume services to Lebanon in the immediate future due to ongoing security concerns.

The ICAO report summary highlighted critical safety concerns, noting that the airport's firefighting resources are only adequate for single-aisle aircraft, not the larger twin-aisle jets commonly used for long-haul routes. Furthermore, the airport lacks a comprehensive emergency plan, and its conditional certification has expired. The agency stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, 'This is a serious and time-critical matter that must be addressed immediately to preserve the airport's operational status.'

Additional shortcomings were identified at the LCAA, including a shortage of qualified inspectors for air traffic control licensing and the absence of a fully established, independent authority for investigating aircraft accidents with clearly defined responsibilities. These issues were reportedly discussed at a recent two-day workshop involving officials from the ICAO, the Lebanese government, and the FAA, according to Reuters, which reviewed the meeting's agenda. Lebanon's Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, confirmed that the country is taking steps to address these concerns, with efforts to certify the airport commencing on Saturday. The Civil Aviation Authority anticipates issuing conditional certification within the coming days. Minister Rasamny stated that many of the issues raised in the report had already been identified by the LCAA, and corrective actions were underway, though progress had been hindered by war.

The certification issues arise amidst broader regional security risks impacting air travel in the Middle East. Several foreign airlines have been avoiding large swathes of regional airspace due to missile and drone threats, particularly following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February that triggered wider hostilities. The US State Department continues to advise American citizens against traveling to Lebanon due to security concerns. The FAA has also cautioned flights operating in Lebanese airspace, citing heightened military activity in and around Syria, including the potential risk of long-range surface-to-air missiles originating from Syrian territory.

Despite these challenges, Lebanon's aviation authorities and its national carrier are maintaining air navigation services and flights, crucial for an economy heavily dependent on tourism and remittances. While direct flights between Beirut and the US are currently suspended, Lebanon remains connected to numerous major European cities. The EU's Aviation Safety Agency acknowledged awareness of the ICAO report and noted that European airlines are required to conduct their own safety and operational readiness assessments before initiating services.