UN aviation agency report delays Trump's plan for direct US-Lebanon flights

The United Nations aviation agency has found that Lebanon's main airport lacks valid certification, creating a roadblock for US President Donald Trump's initiative to restart direct flights between the US and Lebanon. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) identified shortcomings at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, including inadequate firefighting resources for long-haul flights and a lack of an emergency plan. The airport's conditional certification has expired, and the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) reportedly lacks qualified inspectors and an established aircraft accident investigation authority.

Trump announced the plan in July and signed an order last month to reverse a four-decade suspension of direct flights. While US safety reviews are still required, the Lebanese embassy called the order a significant first step. The ICAO's findings, however, are expected to delay the resumption of service. Lebanon's Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, stated that corrective actions were already initiated and that efforts to certify the airport began on Saturday, with conditional certification expected soon.

Middle East unrest has disrupted air travel, with foreign airlines avoiding large swathes of airspace due to missile and drone threats. Three US airline officials indicated that American carriers are unlikely to resume flights to Lebanon in the near term due to security concerns.