Beirut: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport concluded the Lebanon Air Transport Stakeholder Workshop at the Grand Serail following two days of meetings and discussions that brought together Lebanese aviation and security authorities and international partners, with technical advisory support from the World Bank Group.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the workshop resulted in a set of decisions and practical steps aimed at strengthening Lebanon's aviation sector, enhancing its readiness, and identifying institutional priorities and responsibilities to support the development of Lebanon's regional and international air connectivity and advance efforts toward the resumption of direct flights between Lebanon and the United States.
Discussions focused on Lebanon's aviation system and institutional structure, air services agreements, safety, security, and operational requirements, readiness for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) process, airport security requirements under the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) foreign airport assessment framework, as well as International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny said the conclusion of the workshop marked the beginning of the implementation phase, stressing the importance of moving in an organized manner from identifying requirements to completing the necessary procedures in line with international standards.
The Minister stated that restoring direct air connectivity with the United States formed part of a broader vision to develop Lebanon's aviation sector and strengthen confidence in it, with positive implications for Lebanon's position and its links with the Lebanese diaspora, as well as for investment, tourism, and economic activity.
Rasamny mentioned that the workshop's decisions would be translated into practical steps in coordination with the relevant authorities through regular meetings to monitor progress in implementing the agreed measures.
These steps come in parallel with the ongoing institutional development of the aviation sector and the modernization program at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, which includes upgrading security, safety, and technology systems and improving the passenger experience, as part of the ministry's drive to build a more efficient and secure aviation sector that meets international requirements and standards.