Lebanon airport fails to meet UN certification requirements, report finds

Lebanon's Rafic Hariri International Airport is failing to meet United Nations certification requirements, according to a recent report. The issue could hinder the resumption of direct flights between Beirut and the United States, following President Donald Trump's recent directive to allow such flights. The airport's firefighting equipment is insufficient for handling twin-aisle jets, while its emergency plan is also outdated.

Moreover, the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) lacks qualified inspectors for air traffic control licensing and an independent aircraft accident investigation authority. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) identified these shortcomings in a technical assistance mission to Lebanon in July, which was later sent to the Lebanese government as an internal report.

Despite these challenges, the Lebanese government is working to address the concerns, with the Civil Aviation Authority planning to issue conditional certification soon. However, the situation is complicated by security concerns, with the US State Department advising against travel to Lebanon due to safety risks. The ICAO emphasizes that the airport's certification must be promptly resolved to enable the safe resumption of direct flights.