Trump Ends 40-Year Ban On Direct US Flights To Lebanon, Restoring Route Suspended Since 1985
Trump Ends 40-Year Ban On Direct US Flights To Lebanon, Restoring Route Suspended Since 1985 Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 04:08 IST Direct
Trump Ends 40-Year Ban On Direct US Flights To Lebanon, Restoring Route Suspended Since 1985 Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 04:08 IST Direct flights between the US and Lebanon were suspended in 1985 during Ronald Reagan's administration after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 by Lebanese Islamist militants. US President Donald Trump meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC. (AFP photo) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that American airlines will once again be allowed to operate direct flights to Lebanon, ending a suspension that has been in place since 1985. The decision came after Trump met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. In a post on Truth Social, the US president said he had directed his administration to allow all US airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon. “After meeting with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, who has done a remarkable job working to transform his Country, I am hereby directing my Administration to allow all U.S. airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land.
Hopefully, other Countries will do the same. Enjoy!" Trump wrote. Direct flights between the US and Lebanon were suspended in 1985 during President Ronald Reagan’s administration after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 by Lebanese Islamist militants. During the incident, a US Navy diver was killed and dozens of American passengers were held hostage for more than two weeks. Trump Pledges Support For Lebanon Trump also pledged continued support for Lebanon during his meeting with Aoun, calling the country as one that had suffered for decades. “It’s been a very badly treated place and country and we’re going to have it properly treated and treated with the respect it deserves. We’re going to help it a lot," Trump said. Aoun’s visit marked the first by a Lebanese president to the White House since 2009. During the talks, he sought continued US backing for the Lebanese Armed Forces and support for efforts to maintain stability in southern Lebanon under a US-backed framework with Israel. Lebanon is also hoping Washington will help secure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of southern Lebanon and strengthen the Lebanese military’s control in areas previously influenced by Hezbollah.
When asked about Israel’s withdrawal, Trump said the process was underway but did not provide further details. “They’re in the process of doing that. They’re in the process of redeploying," he said. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed Trump’s decision to restore direct flights, saying the move “represents a significant opportunity to enhance travel and connectivity between Lebanon and the United States, and to support the Lebanese economy." (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered How will direct flights impact Lebanon's economy? The restoration of direct flights between the US and Lebanon is expected to enhance travel and connectivity, thereby supporting the Lebanese economy. This move ends a suspension that began in 1985. What other countries might restore flights to Lebanon? US President Donald Trump expressed hope that other countries would follow the US lead in restoring direct flights to Lebanon. The UAE has lifted its travel ban to Lebanon. Flights between Tehran and Dubai have resumed, and the UAE has reopened its airspace.
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