Beirut Airport races to restore ICAO compliance

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport has come under renewed international scrutiny after reports revealed that its airport certification had expired, raising questions about Lebanon’s civil aviation oversight at a time when authorities are seeking to restore direct air links with the United States (U.S.).

While Lebanese officials insist the issue is procedural rather than operational, the findings have highlighted broader institutional reforms still required within the country’s aviation sector.

Findings of the ICAO technical mission

The issue emerged following an internal technical assessment conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which reportedly identified several regulatory shortcomings, including the absence of a valid airport certification and the lack of a fully operational independent aircraft accident investigation authority.

The ICAO technical assistance mission visited Lebanon in July 2026 at the request of Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The mission later submitted its internal report to Lebanese authorities in September 2026 after reviewing both airport operations and the country’s wider civil aviation oversight framework.

Besides noting that Beirut Airport lacked a current certification, the report highlighted another long-standing institutional weakness: Lebanon still does not possess a fully established, independent and effective aircraft accident investigation body.

Under ICAO standards, accident investigations must remain institutionally independent from both aviation regulators and airport operators to guarantee impartiality and ensure that safety recommendations are based solely on technical findings rather than administrative or political considerations.

The report reportedly concluded that these deficiencies could complicate international confidence in Lebanon’s aviation oversight system until corrective measures are fully implemented.

Implications for direct U.S.-Lebanon flights

The timing of the report is particularly significant because Lebanon has been working to restore direct commercial flights with the U.S. after a suspension that has lasted for more than 40 years.

Direct passenger services between the two countries were halted following the hijacking of Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight 847 in June 1985, during which the aircraft was forced to land in Beirut. Since then, passengers travelling between Lebanon and the U.S. have relied on connecting flights through European, Gulf or regional hubs.

In July 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced efforts to restore direct air services between the two countries. In September, he signed an executive order authorizing the U.S. government to permit direct flights, describing the move as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

However, the presidential decision represented only one stage of the process. Before airlines can begin operating direct services, Lebanon must also satisfy technical and security assessments conducted by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These evaluations examine airport security, regulatory oversight, safety management systems and compliance with international aviation standards.

The ICAO findings could delay, though not necessarily prevent, the completion of these reviews.

Lebanese authorities seek rapid resolution

Lebanese Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny sought to reassure the public by stating that Beirut Airport is expected to receive its renewed certification within days. He stressed that Lebanese authorities are actively addressing the concerns identified in the report and are working closely with international partners to complete the remaining administrative procedures.

Officials at Beirut Airport also stressed that the expired certification does not reflect a deterioration in operational safety. They described the issue as a procedural delay linked to postponed inspections rather than deficiencies in the airport's daily operations or technical capabilities.

Airport officials further explained that annual or periodic inspections are standard practice worldwide and that exceptional regional circumstances disrupted the normal inspection schedule during the past year.

What is an airport certification?

Airport certification is an internationally recognized process through which an airport demonstrates that it complies with safety, operational and infrastructure standards established under ICAO guidelines. Certification covers a wide range of requirements, including runway conditions, rescue and firefighting services, air navigation systems, emergency planning, security procedures, wildlife hazard management and airport maintenance.

The certification is subject to periodic review and renewal through inspections carried out by qualified aviation authorities or international technical teams. An expired certificate does not automatically mean that an airport is unsafe or unable to operate. Rather, it indicates that the formal regulatory validation has lapsed and requires renewal after inspectors verify continued compliance with applicable standards.

The certification issue reflects the importance of maintaining robust aviation governance, transparent regulatory institutions and continuous compliance with evolving international standards. As Lebanon seeks to strengthen its transport infrastructure, attract investment and reconnect with major international markets, restoring confidence in its aviation oversight system will remain essential.