In a Milestone Move... Rasamny Reactivates Civil Aviation Safety Center

Reforming Lebanon’s aviation sector

In a milestone move reflecting the Lebanese state’s commitment to revitalizing the civil aviation sector, Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, officially announced the reactivation of the Civil Aviation Safety Center (CASC) at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, following years of dormancy.

The announcement came during a press conference held at the center, attended by sector experts and senior officials, where Rasamny also launched the first training session, ATC 051, for a new cohort of air traffic controllers.

Minister Rasamny emphasized that the reactivation aligns with the highest standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), stressing that training is no longer a luxury, but a cornerstone of Lebanon’s national aviation strategy. The inaugural course will train 35 candidates, including 12 who have been awaiting licensure for over 14 years.

In his address, Rasamny recalled the center’s legacy as a regional pioneer since its establishment in 1962 with support from ICAO and the United Nations. After years of operational suspension due to Lebanon’s compounded crises, the center has now been equipped with a state-of-the-art air traffic control simulator and a certified team of trainers, with further reinforcements expected in the coming weeks.

The minister underscored the importance of transforming CASC into a financially sustainable training institution that not only fills the critical gap in air traffic controller staffing but also aligns with national plans to reactivate René Moawad Airport in Qlayaat. Moreover, Rasamny noted ongoing outreach to international training firms to bring in seasoned experts and the appointment of a specialized advisor to restructure the center and develop a comprehensive reform roadmap.

CASC will offer a wide array of technical training programs in fields such as air traffic control, airport management and operations, aircraft inspection, emergency and rescue services, personnel licensing, aviation accident investigation, aerospace medicine, aviation safety economics, and meteorology.

In response to media inquiries during the press conference, Minister Rasamny was asked whether passengers of certain nationalities, particularly Iraqis, are being subjected to discriminatory treatment at Beirut Airport. The Minister refused such allegations, explaining that screening protocols vary depending on the point of origin of the flight, not the passenger’s nationality. “A traveler arriving from Iraq may undergo stricter inspections than someone transiting through Europe, purely due to security protocols. These are standard procedures seen at many airports worldwide,” Rasamny explained. 

Asked to comment on reports of recent gold smuggling attempts, Rasamny confirmed that while such attempts are still being intercepted, the volume of smuggled goods has significantly decreased. He credited the continued vigilance and effective action of the Airport Security Service in curbing these activities.

On the issue of administrative gaps across the civil aviation sector, the minister acknowledged that several key positions were currently filled in an acting capacity. He stressed the urgency of appointing permanent directors to ensure stability and institutional continuity, noting that this challenge extends beyond his ministry and affects many other government entities. His focus, he said, remained on assembling qualified leadership and building a long-term action plan.

Rasamni appointed Ibrahim Abou Alayoui as the new head of Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.

The move comes just two days after Kamel Nasreddine submitted his resignation from the role. His resignation was accepted by the minister, who assigned him to a new post as "Director of Airports." Nasreddine will continue in his long-held position as Head of Air Navigation, a role he has occupied for 14 years.

The press conference concluded with a guided tour of the center’s facilities, during which journalists and attendees were introduced to the simulation equipment and preparations for the upcoming training sessions.