Don’t Kill Paragliding, Fix It, Regulate It, Elevate It

few Days ago, Lebanon lost a life in a tragic paragliding accident, we also risk losing an entire experience that defines our sense of freedom, nature, and adventure. Yes, a man fell from a paraglider. Yes, it’s horrifying. And yes, it’s possible, maybe even likely, that it was the result of human error, lack of safety checks,…

few Days ago, Lebanon lost a life in a tragic paragliding accident, we also risk losing an entire experience that defines our sense of freedom, nature, and adventure.

Yes, a man fell from a paraglider. Yes, it’s horrifying. And yes, it’s possible, maybe even likely, that it was the result of human error, lack of safety checks, or unprofessional coaching. If that’s the case, it’s not only a tragedy, it’s criminal negligence.

But let’s be clear:
When a car accident happens, we don’t ban cars. We hold drivers accountable.
When a medical mistake is made, we don’t shut down hospitals, we review, regulate, and reform.

So why, when one tragic paragliding accident occurs, does the state respond by shutting down all paragliding in Jounieh, a key tourism activity and emotional escape for hundreds of Lebanese and foreigners?

What Should Have Happened Instead?

– Investigate the specific case thoroughly.
Was the passenger properly strapped in? Was the coach licensed and trained? Was the equipment up to standard?

– If there was negligence, punish it hard.
Strip licenses. Shut down unsafe companies. Bring criminal charges where appropriate. But target the problem, not the entire sector.

– Reinforce regulation, don’t remove opportunity.
Paragliding, like any extreme sport, must be governed by strict safety protocols. The Tourism and Youth & Sports Ministries must implement:

Mandatory training and certification for pilots
Regular safety audits for companies
Real insurance coverage and accountability measures
Passenger briefings and waiver systems for full transparency
A public safety ranking system for adventure companies in Lebanon

Context on Safety: Know the Risk, Elevate the Standard

Paragliding is generally safe when practiced professionally, but like any extreme sport, it carries inherent risks. Globally, the fatality rate for paragliding is estimated at 1 in 11,000 flights, according to the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA). By comparison, the fatality rate for skydiving is roughly 1 in 220,000 jumps, and for scuba diving, 1 in 200,000 dives. This makes paragliding statistically riskier, but still far safer than it feels, when safety procedures are respected. The real danger isn’t the sport itself, it’s poor training, unregulated operators, and human error. That’s why Lebanon must protect paragliding not by banning it, but by making it safer than ever before.Why Paragliding Matters

Paragliding over Jounieh Bay isn’t just a photo-op. It’s part of the identity of Lebanese tourism. It showcases our natural beauty, youth culture, and the idea that Lebanon can still be a place of joy. It is a source of income for dozens of guides, gear suppliers, and local businesses.

Killing it with a shutdown? That’s not justice. That’s fear-based policy.

Final Word: Fix What’s Broken, Don’t Burn It Down

Lebanon needs better standards, not more bans.
We need professional regulation, not blanket closures.
And most of all, we need leadership that understands the difference between reaction and responsibility.

To those who made mistakes: be held accountable.
To the state: protect the sport by making it safer—not by ending it.

Let us keep flying. But let us fly right. 🪂🇱🇧

#ParaglidingLebanon
#RegulateDontEradicate
#TourismWithSafety
#BrandLebanonStartsWithStandards

Brand Lebanon