Trump Administration Approves Resumption of Direct U.S. Flights to Lebanon
The Trump administration has announced that U.S. airlines will once again be permitted to operate direct commercial flights to Lebanon, marking the first time such service has been authorized in more than four decades. The decision follows a White House meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
During the meeting, President Trump praised Aoun for his efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s institutions and steer the country toward greater stability. Trump said the United States is committed to supporting Lebanon and expressed hope that restoring direct air travel would encourage tourism, business, and closer ties between the two nations.
Direct flights between the United States and Lebanon were suspended in 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847, a security crisis that led to decades of restrictions on commercial air travel between the two countries. Under the new directive, U.S. authorities will first conduct a comprehensive security assessment of Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport before regular airline operations can begin.
Despite the announcement, the U.S. State Department continues to maintain a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Lebanon because of ongoing security concerns. Aviation experts also note that U.S. carriers are expected to carefully evaluate operational and safety conditions before launching any new routes.
The move is widely seen as a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at improving U.S.-Lebanon relations while signaling Washington’s support for Lebanon’s new leadership during a period of broader regional tensions.