Lebanon’s main airport lacks valid certification and faces significant safety and regulatory shortcomings that could delay the resumption of direct flights between Beirut and the United States, according to a report summary from the United Nations aviation agency reviewed by Reuters.

The findings pose a setback to US President Donald Trump’s efforts to restore direct air links between the two countries after a suspension lasting about four decades.

Trump announced the move in July and signed an order last month directing the US government to allow direct flights between the United States and Lebanon. The suspension dates back to 1985, when TWA Flight 847 was hijacked and forced to land in Beirut.

Although the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must still conduct their own safety and security reviews before flights can resume, the Lebanese Embassy in Washington described Trump’s order as “a significant first step toward restoring direct air service between Lebanon and the United States.”

But a technical assistance mission conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in July identified deficiencies at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport and within Lebanon’s civil aviation system. Two senior industry officials familiar with the matter told Reuters they expected the findings to delay the return of direct service.

The findings complicate efforts to implement Trump’s order, which followed a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Washington has backed Aoun as it presses for the disarmament of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group.

ICAO sent its internal report to Lebanese authorities in September after carrying out the assessment at the request of the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA).

Airport lacks emergency plan, report says

A summary of the ICAO report said the airport’s firefighting resources were equipped to handle single-aisle aircraft but were insufficient for twin-aisle jets typically used on long-haul routes.

The airport also lacks an emergency plan, and its conditional certification has expired, according to the summary.

“This is a serious and time-critical matter that must be addressed immediately to preserve the airport’s operational status,” the summary said.

The report also identified shortcomings within the LCAA, including a lack of qualified inspectors to oversee air traffic control licensing. It further found that Lebanon had not fully established an operational, independent authority for investigating aircraft accidents, with clearly defined responsibilities and powers.

The concerns were raised during a two-day workshop held last month, where representatives of ICAO, the Lebanese government, the FAA and other parties discussed efforts to restore direct air service, according to the industry officials and an agenda of the meeting reviewed by Reuters.

Lebanon says corrective measures are underway

Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny said Lebanon was working to address the deficiencies, with efforts to certify the airport beginning on Saturday. The LCAA expects to issue conditional certification in the coming days.

“Most of the issues highlighted in the report had already been identified by the LCAA, and corrective action had already been initiated,” Rasamny said in a statement, adding that the war had delayed progress.

Captain Mohammad Aziz, head of the LCAA, told Annahar that the airport’s certification renewal process was underway and expected to be completed within about a week.

“The certificate’s expiration does not necessarily mean an immediate disruption to air traffic, as long as the renewal process is underway,” Aziz said. He cautioned, however, that the consequences of failing to renew the certificate could not be determined until the process was completed and its outcome was clear.

Aziz added that airport operations were continuing as normal for the time being.