Trump Allows Direct US Flights to Lebanon
US President Donald Trump has directed his administration to allow American airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon, potentially ending a suspension that has lasted since 1985. No US carrier has yet announced a route or confirmed when services could begin.
US-Lebanon Direct Flights Approved
Trump announced the decision after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. He said permitting direct services would make it easier for Americans to visit Lebanon and expressed hope that other countries would expand their air links.
The announcement authorises federal agencies to begin removing regulatory restrictions. However, actual flights will depend on security assessments, government approvals and commercial decisions by individual airlines.
The Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Department have not announced a timetable for completing the process.
Flight Ban Began After 1985 Hijacking
Direct commercial air services between the United States and Lebanon were suspended following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in June 1985.
The aircraft was forced to land in Beirut during a 17-day hostage crisis in which US Navy diver Robert Stethem was killed. Continuing instability during Lebanon’s civil war contributed to the prolonged suspension of American airline operations.
A comprehensive US security assessment of Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport is expected before commercial services can resume.
Airlines Yet to Announce Lebanon Routes
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have not confirmed plans to introduce direct flights. Major US carriers have also suspended or limited services to several regional destinations because of continuing security concerns.
The US State Department currently maintains its highest-level “Do Not Travel” advisory for Lebanon, citing risks from armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest.
Trump’s announcement followed talks with Aoun on bilateral relations, security cooperation and regional stability. Aoun’s visit was the first by a Lebanese president to the White House since 2009.
