Trump ends 41-year ban on direct US flights to Lebanon: 'You can easily visit this beautiful land'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, July 21, that he is directing his administration to allow US airline carriers to resume direct flights to Lebanon, ending a suspension that has been in place for more than four decades.

The announcement followed a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who visited Washington to discuss regional stability and bilateral ties. Direct commercial flights between the United States and Lebanon have been suspended since 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

Trump announces end to decades-long flight suspension

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had instructed his administration to restore direct air service between the two countries. "I am hereby directing my Administration to allow all US airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land," Trump wrote.

During his Oval Office meeting with Aoun, Trump also pledged additional support for Lebanon. "Lebanon has been a very mistreated country for a long period of time. It's an amazing group of people," Trump said. "We're gonna help it a lot."

The Lebanese president's visit marked the first by a Lebanese head of state to the White House since 2009.

Aoun traveled to Washington seeking continued US backing after months of conflict involving Israel while also urging progress toward long-term stability in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon has sought the withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of southern Lebanon and increased support for its military to expand control over areas previously influenced by militant groups.

When asked about Israel's military presence, Trump said, "They're in the process of doing that. They're in the process of redeploying."

Aoun praised Trump's diplomatic efforts during the meeting, telling the president, "Your vision is peace." He added that peace would become Trump's "legacy."

Flight restoration faces security review as regional tensions persist

Although Trump directed the restoration of direct flights, service cannot resume immediately. US officials must first complete security assessments of Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport before authorizing commercial operations.

It also remains uncertain whether US airlines will immediately restart service given continuing security concerns across the region.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it "looks forward to working with airlines and our interagency partners to implement the president's directive and support the safe return of flights to Lebanon."

The US State Department currently maintains a "Do Not Travel" advisory for Lebanon, citing ongoing security risks. Earlier this year, non-emergency US government personnel and their family members were ordered to leave the country.

The original suspension dates back to 1985 after TWA Flight 847 was hijacked while traveling from Athens to Rome and forced to land in Beirut. During the 17-day hostage crisis, a US Navy diver was killed.

Trump's announcement came as US military operations against Iran continued. US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday, July 21, confirmed it had completed an 11th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and operational centers.