NNA - The ongoing modernization of Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport “reflects Lebanon’s commitment to enhancing passenger facilitation, improving the travel experience, and upgrading border management in a way that balances security with seamless mobility,” said Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, reaffirming the country’s deep engagement with the principles of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly the “No Country Left Behind” initiative.
Rasamny made his remarks on Thursday during the ICAO Facilitation Conference 2025 (FALC 2025), held in the Qatari capital, Doha, with the participation of representatives from 190 countries.
The Lebanese delegation included Director General of Civil Aviation Amin Jaber, Head of Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport Kamal Nassereddine, Head of Aviation Safety Omar Qaddouha, and the Minister’s legal advisor Hadi Moussa.
Rasamny noted that Lebanon’s cooperation with ICAO has been instrumental in shaping its national aviation strategy, aligning regulatory frameworks with international standards, and advancing modernization efforts across the sector.
The Minister pointed to the integration of biometric technologies, enhanced data exchange, and inter-agency coordination as core features of Lebanon’s efforts to modernize air travel while ensuring safety and efficiency.
In alignment with ICAO’s sustainability goals, Rasamny said Lebanon was implementing the CORSIA emissions reduction mechanism and investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), as outlined in its “State Action Plan” for decarbonization, which includes future investments in alternative fuels and environmentally friendly technologies.
Rasamny further underscored Lebanon’s ongoing efforts to strengthen aviation security and regulatory compliance, highlighting recent progress in biometric identification and harmonization with EU aviation regulations as essential to effective governance and restoring traveler confidence.
Looking ahead, Rasamny emphasized the importance of international cooperation, especially in capacity-building for countries with limited resources. “Such support is vital to managing increased air traffic, meeting global standards, and ensuring aviation remains a driver of economic development,” he said.
“Lebanon reaffirms its full support for ICAO’s objectives, welcomes the Doha Declaration, and expresses readiness to continue working with all member states to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global aviation sector,” Rasamny concluded.
The conference is set to conclude with the issuance of the “Doha Declaration on International Air Transport Facilitation,” aimed at guiding public policy and strengthening global commitment to a unified strategic framework for facilitation.
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