Trump's plan for direct US flights to Lebanon faces ICAO roadblock

Donald Trump: Donald Trump is the President of the United States. He announced in July and signed an order last month directing the US government to permit direct flights from the United States to Lebanon, reversing a long-standing suspension. The order followed a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and aims to restore air service amid broader regional diplomatic efforts. Fayez Rasamny: Fayez Rasamny serves as Lebanon's Minister of Public Works and Transport. He has publicly addressed the ICAO report by confirming that Lebanon is taking steps to resolve the highlighted concerns, with certification efforts scheduled to begin immediately. Rasamny noted that prior progress on improvements had been slowed by ongoing conflict. United Nations: The United Nations is the global intergovernmental organization that oversees specialized agencies including those focused on aviation standards. Its International Civil Aviation Organization conducted a technical assistance mission to Lebanon in July at the request of local authorities, producing a report on airport and regulatory shortcomings that was shared in September. The findings have created a hurdle for efforts to resume direct US-Lebanon flights. Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority: The Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority is Lebanon's national regulator for civil aviation matters. It requested the ICAO technical mission and is leading efforts to address identified shortcomings, including initiating airport certification processes. The authority has stated that many of the reported issues were already known and that corrective actions had begun prior to the latest assessment. International Civil Aviation Organization: The International Civil Aviation Organization is the United Nations agency responsible for establishing international aviation standards and conducting safety assessments for member states. It identified deficiencies at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, including inadequate emergency planning and firefighting capabilities for long-haul aircraft, as well as gaps in Lebanon's regulatory oversight. These issues are expected to delay the resumption of direct flights following President Trump's order. Regional Security: Foreign airlines continue to avoid significant portions of Middle East airspace due to ongoing missile and drone threats stemming from recent US and Israeli actions in the region. Aviation Oversight: Lebanon's regulator lacks a fully independent aircraft accident investigation authority and sufficient qualified inspectors for air traffic control licensing, according to the ICAO assessment. Diplomatic Context: The United States has supported Lebanese President Joseph Aoun while pushing for the disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah, which rejected a US-brokered framework agreement with Israel.