Lebanon’s main international airport faces significant safety and certification challenges that could delay the restoration of direct flights between the United States and Beirut, according to findings from the United Nations aviation agency.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) identified several regulatory and operational deficiencies at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport during a technical mission in July. Its findings, delivered to Lebanese authorities in September, raise concerns about the airport’s readiness for long-haul international flights.
The report complicates US President Donald Trump’s efforts to restore direct US-Lebanon air travel after a four-decade suspension. Trump announced the initiative in July and signed an executive order last month reversing restrictions imposed following the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847.
According to the ICAO assessment, Beirut airport lacks a valid operating certification and an adequate emergency response plan. Its firefighting equipment is suitable for smaller, single-aisle aircraft but insufficient for larger twin-aisle jets commonly used on transatlantic routes.
The report also highlighted weaknesses within the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), including shortages of qualified air traffic control inspectors and the absence of a fully operational, independent aircraft accident investigation body.
Lebanese Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny acknowledged the concerns but said corrective measures were already underway. Authorities plan to begin airport certification procedures on Saturday, with conditional approval expected within days.
Rasamny attributed previous delays to regional conflict, emphasizing that Lebanon had already identified many of the deficiencies.
However, restoring direct US-Beirut flights requires additional safety and security assessments by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Security threats across the Middle East present another obstacle. Ongoing missile and drone attacks have disrupted regional aviation since US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered broader hostilities in February.
Three US airline officials indicated that American carriers are unlikely to resume Lebanon services soon because of persistent security risks.
The US State Department continues to advise Americans against traveling to Lebanon, while the FAA has warned about military threats affecting regional airspace.
Despite these challenges, Lebanon’s national airline continues operating international services, including connections to major European destinations.
European aviation regulators also emphasized that airlines must independently evaluate airport safety before introducing new routes, underscoring the regulatory hurdles facing Lebanon’s aviation recovery.
