The United States will restore direct commercial air service to Lebanon for the first time since 1985, marking a dramatic shift in policy toward a nation that has endured years of conflict and political strain. President Trump announced the decision Tuesday following a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, signaling Washington's commitment to normalizing ties with the country.
The original suspension came after the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847, when Ronald Reagan's administration halted all direct service. That four-decade ban will now be lifted, allowing American carriers to resume flights to what Trump called "this beautiful land."
Trump made the announcement in a social media post, stating he was "hereby directing my Administration to allow all U.S. airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit." The move represents a sweeping reversal of Cold War-era restrictions that have isolated Lebanon's aviation sector.
Aoun traveled to Washington hoping to build momentum for lasting peace after months of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. The Lebanese president's visit was the first by a sitting Lebanese leader to the White House since 2009, underscoring its diplomatic significance.
During their meeting, Trump promised to help Lebanon "a lot," though he provided no specific details about what that assistance might entail. "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," Trump told Aoun.
Lebanon is pushing for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon, where they currently occupy large swaths of territory, and seeking military support to regain control in areas where Hezbollah once dominated. Trump indicated Israel is already redeploying forces but offered no timeline or guarantees.
The announcement comes as Washington tries to navigate broader Middle East tensions, including escalating concerns with Iran. Aoun seized on Trump's rhetoric, telling him "Your vision is peace" and calling it his "legacy."
Author James Rodriguez: "Opening a route that's been closed for 41 years sends a real signal that Lebanon is back on the radar, but Trump's vague promises on military aid and Israeli withdrawal leave the real work still ahead."
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