President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States will lift a four-decade ban on direct commercial flights to Lebanon [1].
The move ends a long-standing security restriction and signals a shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations following a meeting between Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun [2].
The restriction was originally imposed in 1985 [3]. That ban followed the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 by Hezbollah, an event that halted U.S. air carriers from operating direct service to the country for more than 40 years [1], [3].
Trump said his administration would move to allow U.S. air carriers to resume flying directly to Lebanon [4]. He said that he ordered the resumption of these flights for the first time in decades [5].
During the announcement at the White House, Trump said, "Enjoy" [6].
The decision allows U.S. airlines to once again establish routes to Lebanon, removing the requirement for passengers to transit through third-party countries. This policy change follows a period of restricted connectivity that lasted approximately 41 years [3].
“I ordered the resumption of direct US‑Lebanon flights for the first time in decades.”
The restoration of direct flights represents a significant pivot in U.S. foreign policy toward Lebanon. By removing a security measure rooted in the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847, the administration is prioritizing diplomatic normalization and economic connectivity over the legacy of Cold War-era security protocols.
