WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has announced the resumption of direct commercial flights between the United States and Lebanon, marking a significant step toward restoring air connectivity after more than four decades.
The announcement followed Trump’s meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional security, and continued cooperation between the two countries.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had instructed his administration to authorize all US airline carriers to operate direct flights to Lebanon, making travel easier for American citizens.
Trump praised President Aoun for his efforts to rebuild and strengthen Lebanon, describing his leadership as instrumental in the country’s transformation. He also expressed hope that other nations would follow suit by restoring direct air services to Lebanon.
According to the White House, discussions between the two leaders also focused on continued US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the implementation of the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement signed in Washington last week.
Direct commercial flights between the United States and Lebanon have remained suspended since 1985, when Washington halted air services following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 and amid security concerns linked to Lebanon’s civil war.
The decision is expected to strengthen people-to-people ties, facilitate tourism and business travel, and signal improving confidence in Lebanon’s security environment.
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