US President Donald Trump said the United States will allow domestic airlines to fly directly to Lebanon for the first time since 1985. The announcement came after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and marks a major policy shift after decades without direct service.
Flights between the two countries were halted in 1985 following a hijacking incident. Any return of service will not be immediate, however, as extensive security reviews are required before airlines can begin operating the route.
The move signals a possible reopening of commercial air links that have been suspended for nearly 40 years. For airlines, the change creates an opportunity to consider new international routes, but operational approval will depend on whether security conditions meet US standards.
At the same time, the broader travel picture remains cautious. The US State Department currently advises Americans against traveling to Lebanon, underscoring that while direct flights may be permitted again, official safety concerns have not fully disappeared.
