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A Middle East Airlines (MEA) plane on the tarmac at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, as part of the conflict pitting the United States and Israel against Iran, in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 4, 2026. (Credit: Khalil Ashawi/Reuters) Add as preferred on Google The news broke on Friday evening, prompting a flurry of consultations and pledges of corrective action among the relevant Lebanese authorities. According to a report seen by Reuters, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, has found that Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) lacks valid certification, a finding confirmed by L’Orient Today.The revelation comes amid intermittent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and prompted Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rassamny to announce corrective measures in the coming days. The situation is serious, but it does not necessarily mean the airport will have to close or that airlines will suspend their flights.We take a closer look at what is known about the issue. Meanwhile In the cockpit with Erica Chbeir, a Middle East Airlines pilot... You have reached your article limitStay informed about a Middle East in crisis.Subscribe for $0.5/month for the first 3 months. Subscribe now Log in This article is only available to L’Orient Today subscribers. Subscribe now Log in Create a free account to continue reading this article. You’ll also receive The Morning Brief, our must-read daily digest of Middle East news. Opt out anytime Email Address Password Email Address Password I would like to receive special offers from L'Orient Today as well as selections of the best articles. Register By creating an account, you agree to the terms and conditions of use and our privacy policy. Register Or register with: Facebook
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