President Trump said his administration would permit direct flights between the United States and Lebanon, reversing a long-standing restriction on nonstop air travel. The move marks a notable change in U.S. policy toward flights to the country.
The prohibition had been in place since 1985, when a flight was hijacked in an incident tied to Hezbollah. That event shaped U.S. aviation policy for decades and kept direct commercial service off the table.
By lifting the ban, the administration is opening the door for direct routes to resume if airlines and aviation authorities move forward. The decision stands out because it revisits a security-driven policy that had remained unchanged for many years.
The announcement was described as a surprise development, drawing attention from those following U.S. policy in the Middle East. It also highlights how a single presidential decision can quickly alter a rule that had lasted for generations.
