Trump Says US Airlines Will Restart Direct Lebanon Flights After 40 Years
Decision follows White House talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun as both sides discuss regional stability, security and stronger bilateral cooperation.
US, July 22 : Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Washington marked a significant step in bilateral relations as US President Donald Trump announced that American airlines would be permitted to operate direct flights to Lebanon for the first time in more than 40 years.
The announcement came after Trump and Aoun held talks at the White House on Tuesday, where discussions centred on strengthening ties between the two nations and supporting stability in Lebanon following months of hostilities involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Following the meeting, Trump said his administration would move ahead with allowing US carriers to resume nonstop services to Lebanon, making travel easier for Americans wishing to visit the country.
Direct commercial air links between the United States and Lebanon have remained suspended since 1985, when the Reagan administration halted the route after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.
During the meeting, Trump also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s future, saying the country deserved greater international backing after facing years of hardship. While expressing confidence in closer cooperation, he did not announce any specific economic or security initiatives.
Although the policy change clears the way for airlines to restore services, the timeline for the return of direct flights remains uncertain. Airlines are expected to assess operational and security conditions before launching routes, with regional instability, airspace concerns and the influence of Hezbollah in parts of Lebanon likely to weigh on their decisions.
Aoun’s four-day visit to the United States has focused on expanding strategic cooperation and securing lasting peace in southern Lebanon, where tensions have remained high amid the broader conflict in West Asia. The discussions also underscored both countries’ interest in deepening diplomatic engagement while addressing ongoing regional security challenges.
