Trump lifts decades-long ban on direct US-Lebanon flights

On September 30, President Donald Trump signed an order canceling four presidential determinations dating back to 1985, 1992, 1998 and 2007 that prohibited direct commercial flights between the United States and Lebanon. The revocation, published in the Federal Register, was prompted by a July meeting at the White House where Lebanese President Joseph Aoun asked for the restrictions to be lifted. Aoun described the action as a sign of confidence in Lebanon’s civil aviation security and thanked both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Lebanese ambassador to Washington Nada Mouawad echoed the sentiment, saying the change opens the door for direct flights. The original bans were imposed after the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847 and were gradually eased over the years, but they still blocked a full restoration of air links. While the order directs the Transportation Secretary to remove conflicting regulations immediately, airlines have not yet scheduled direct services.