:
In the wake of a series of recent accidents in the paragliding sector, specifically after three pilots flew in unsuitable foggy weather, forcing them to make an emergency landing in the Ghosta area and its environs, the Lebanese Air Sports Federation took immediate and decisive action.
As a result of these events, the Public Prosecution of Appeal in Mount Lebanon, led by Judge Ghassan Bassil, initiated rapid legal procedures, which included closing the take-off platform operated by the “CLUB THERMIQUE” club, and charging a number of the violating pilots, while referring the case to the single criminal judge in Keserwan, Antoine Al-Hajj, to take appropriate legal measures.
At the same time, the Lebanese Air Sports Federation continued to closely follow the file, confirming its position as the only official body authorized to manage this activity, issue certificates, organize tournaments and sporting events, in addition to licensing take-off and landing pads, in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 4481 regulating the sports movement in Lebanon.
In this context, the Federation’s legal agent, Lawyer Amin Abdel Karim, submitted a written memorandum to the single criminal judge in Keserwan, attached to the necessary legal documents, which included in particular the official license for the Harissa take-off platform located on property No. 116, which is being invested by Raja Saadeh and Elie Mansour, after a comprehensive technical examination was conducted on it by the Federation’s specialized technical committee.
Based on this information, on February 19, 2026, Judge Antoine Al-Hajj issued a decision to lift the seals on the Harissa take-off platform and approve it as an official licensed platform, paving the way for the resumption of paragliding activity in the Jounieh region within an organized framework subject to clear controls, and under the direct supervision of the Federation.
It is expected that this decision will contribute to putting an end to random practices, enhancing public safety standards, and consolidating respect for the laws and regulations in force in this sensitive sports sector.
