Trump Directs U.S. Airlines to Resume Flights to Lebanon

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is directing the U.S. government to allow domestic airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon. The decision follows a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, whom Trump praised for doing a "remarkable job" of transforming the country. This move ends a four-decade suspension of U.S. flights to Lebanon that began in 1985 after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

Before commercial services can resume, U.S. officials must conduct a security review of the Beirut airport to certify its safety. The Federal Aviation Administration expressed support for the directive and intends to work with airlines and interagency partners to ensure a safe return of flights. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the order via social media.

Despite the directive, the U.S. Department of State maintains a "Do Not Travel" advisory for Lebanon, citing risks of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. It remains uncertain whether major carriers such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, or American Airlines will resume service, as some have recently halted flights to nearby Tel Aviv due to security concerns.