AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity: Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport’s safety and certification shortcomings could delay the return of direct US flights, despite President Trump’s push to restore the route. Visa Access: Ghana has proposed a visa-waiver agreement covering ordinary, service and diplomatic passport holders to ease travel and strengthen ties with Lebanon; the proposal has not yet taken effect. Tourism Partnerships: Pakistan and Lebanon are seeking deeper cooperation in trade, education and tourism, while Ghana also identified hospitality and tourism as areas for closer collaboration. Heritage: A new digital archive is collecting Lebanon’s photographs, letters, maps and other cultural records, alongside 3D mapping work at the Roman site of Faqra.

Heritage Protection: A new Italy-backed digital archive is inviting people worldwide to preserve Lebanon’s family photos, letters, maps, music and videos. The project launched at Beirut’s National Library as Israeli strikes raise concerns for heritage sites; a Lebanese-Italian team has also begun 3D mapping at Faqra. Air Links: Beirut airport’s lack of valid certification and other safety shortcomings could delay plans to restore direct US flights, according to a UN aviation agency review. Tourism Ties: Pakistan and Lebanon are discussing tourism and cultural exchanges alongside trade and education, including possible business delegations. Pilgrimage Trails: A new Lebanese pilgrimage route is drawing local hikers, offering another way to explore the country’s landscapes and religious heritage.

Air Connectivity: A UN aviation review found Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport lacks valid certification and has other safety gaps, potentially delaying plans to restore direct US–Lebanon flights. Sports Travel: Lebanon opens its Rugby League World Cup campaign against co-hosts Papua New Guinea, with a place in the knockout rounds at stake. Tourism Ties: Pakistan and Lebanon discussed boosting tourism, cultural exchanges and sports links, alongside trade and university partnerships. Heritage Trails: A new pilgrimage route is drawing hikers to Lebanon’s religious and cultural heritage. Local History: A feature on Dbayeh traces the many eras reflected in the town, from ancient rulers to the world wars, and makes the case for exploring Lebanon through its local histories.

Heritage Travel: A new look at Dbayeh urges visitors to slow down: the area north of Beirut packs traces of Roman, Mamluk and modern history into a compact stretch. Air Access: The U.S. has lifted 40-year aviation restrictions on Lebanon, clearing a path for direct flights, though new services are not yet guaranteed. Pilgrimage Routes: A new Lebanese pilgrimage trail is drawing attention to faith-based travel and hiking. Getting Around: Plans for Lebanon’s first electric train aim to revive the railway system and could eventually offer another way to explore the country.

South Lebanon Access: UNIFIL says journalist visits south of the “yellow line” have been blocked for weeks, limiting independent reporting in occupied areas and underscoring continued uncertainty for visitors. Travel Safety: Lebanese authorities’ seizure of explosives bound for Beirut has become a public dispute after Hezbollah acknowledged the cargo was its own; the investigation is ongoing. Air Links: The US has lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, potentially easing travel for diaspora visitors, though new services have yet to be announced. Heritage & Rail: A new Lebanese pilgrimage trail offers a fresh draw for hikers, while plans for the country’s first electric train signal longer-term hopes for easier domestic travel.

Air Links: The United States has lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, clearing the way for airlines to consider nonstop services, though no new routes have been confirmed. Rail Revival: Plans for Lebanon’s first electric train could eventually reconnect parts of the country and offer visitors another way to explore. Pilgrimage Tourism: A new Lebanese pilgrimage trail is drawing hikers and local Catholics, adding a fresh route for faith-based and outdoor travel. Regional Tourism: Lebanon’s tourism minister is urging Arab countries to build integrated products around shared tourism assets.

Air Links: The U.S. has lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, potentially clearing the way for new services and easier access for visitors. Border Security: President Joseph Aoun is urging a one-year extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, warning that its withdrawal could leave a security vacuum in the south amid continued Israeli military activity. Faith Tourism: Catholic hikers are exploring a new Lebanese pilgrimage trail, adding to the country’s appeal for religious and outdoor travel. Sports Spotlight: Lebanon’s Cedars open their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, putting the national team before an international audience.

Security Watch: Lebanese authorities’ seizure of explosives from a truck in Dahr al-Baidar has raised concern over a possible plot; Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has vowed accountability. Air Links: The U.S. lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, clearing a regulatory barrier to stronger connectivity. President Joseph Aoun welcomed the move. Pilgrimage Tourism: A new Lebanese pilgrimage trail is drawing hikers and spotlighting the country’s religious heritage. Rail Revival: Plans for Lebanon’s first electric train could eventually offer a new way to explore the country. Investment: Ghana is courting Lebanese investors in tourism and other sectors, with officials offering help navigating local rules.

Pilgrimage Routes: Local Catholics have begun hiking a new Lebanese pilgrimage trail, adding a faith-based option for visitors exploring the country. Getting Around: A report on drivers navigating war-damaged areas highlights the need to plan routes carefully. Lebanon’s first electric train is also being promoted as a potential step toward reviving rail travel. Air Links: The United States has lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, removing a regulatory barrier to service, though no new flights have been announced.

Safety: A school-trip explosion near Israel’s border with Lebanon killed a teenager and injured 24, while Lebanese forces seized 500kg of explosives bound for Beirut. The incidents keep security risks in focus for visitors. Air Links: The U.S. lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, a move welcomed by President Joseph Aoun that could open the way for renewed air links. Tourism & Transport: Local Catholics are hiking a new Lebanese pilgrimage trail, while a plan for the country’s first electric train aims to revive its railway network. Lebanon’s tourism minister also sees shared Arab tourism assets as a chance to develop integrated travel products.

Border Hiking Safety: A blast near Israel’s border with Lebanon killed a teenager and injured 24 people on a school hike. Israeli officials say it was likely caused by an old cluster munition; the incident underlines the danger of unexploded ordnance in the area. Air Connectivity: The US has lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, a move welcomed by President Joseph Aoun and the government as a boost to travel links. Pilgrimage Tourism: Local Catholics have begun hiking a new Lebanese pilgrimage trail, adding another option for visitors seeking faith-based outdoor trips. Rail Revival: Lebanon’s first electric train is being pitched as a way to revive the country’s railway system. Tourism Ties: Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said Lebanon hopes for Russian tourists to return to Beirut as the two countries work to strengthen ties.

Pilgrimage Hiking: A new 130-kilometer St. Charbel route is bringing hikers to Lebanon’s mountain monasteries and faith sites. Air Links: The US has lifted decades-old restrictions on flights to Lebanon, clearing a path for direct services to resume, though no launch date has been announced. Tourism Development: Lebanon’s tourism minister sees scope to build integrated travel experiences around shared Arab tourism assets. Security: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has vowed a full investigation after security forces intercepted a truck carrying explosives on its way to Beirut.

US–Lebanon Air Links: Washington has lifted decades-old restrictions on flights to Lebanon, clearing a major hurdle to restoring direct service. President Joseph Aoun welcomed the move, saying it reflects confidence in Lebanon’s civil aviation security and could strengthen ties with the US. Railway Revival: A solar-powered model train has returned to part of Lebanon’s historic railway, aiming to renew interest in the long-dormant network and support tourism. Regional Travel Alert: Riyadh’s main airport remains closed after a deadly strike, with airlines and travellers warned to avoid Saudi airports. The disruption adds uncertainty for visitors connecting through the region.

Regional Travel Disruption: Riyadh’s airport remains closed after a deadly attack that killed 12 people and injured more than 300. The Houthis have warned airlines and travellers to avoid Saudi airports, while Australia has advised against flying to Riyadh. Lebanon Air Links: The U.S. has lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, clearing a regulatory hurdle for future Beirut–U.S. service. Flights will not resume automatically, and Lebanon remains under a U.S. Level 4 travel advisory. Tourism Development: Lebanon’s tourism minister says shared Arab tourism assets offer opportunities to build integrated travel experiences across the region.

Lebanon–US Air Links: Washington has lifted decades-old restrictions on direct flights to Lebanon, clearing a major regulatory hurdle. Services have not yet resumed; airlines still need to meet operational and security requirements. President Joseph Aoun welcomed the move as a vote of confidence in Lebanon’s aviation safeguards. Regional Travel Disruption: A missile strike on Riyadh airport wounded people, prompted an evacuation and diverted flights. UK guidance warns against all but essential travel to Riyadh, while identifying no-go areas in Lebanon. Check current advisories and airline updates before travelling.

Air Links: President Joseph Aoun welcomed Donald Trump’s decision to lift decades-old restrictions on flights to and from Lebanon, calling it a boost to confidence in Beirut’s aviation safeguards. The move clears a regulatory barrier to direct US-Lebanon air links, though flights have not yet been announced. Travel Advice: UK guidance still flags areas of Lebanon as unsafe to visit amid regional tensions, so travellers should check current advisories before planning a trip. Regional Tourism: Arab tourism ministers are urging joint routes and easier cross-border travel to encourage visitors to explore several destinations—an opportunity for Lebanon to benefit from stronger regional connections.