Trump ends 4-decade ban, orders resumption of direct flights to Lebanon

US President Donald Trump announced a historic step, directing his administration to allow American airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon. This decision aims to end an air embargo imposed by Washington for more than four decades, opening new horizons for communication between the two countries.

The suspension of direct flights dates back to 1985, when former President Ronald Reagan decided to ban direct operations following the hijacking of a TWA American Airlines plane. Since then, travel between the two countries has been limited to indirect flights via intermediate airports and commercial linking agreements.

This announcement came via the 'Truth Social' platform, where Trump affirmed that the decision was made after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The US President explained that the goal is to enable American citizens to visit Lebanon easily, describing it as a beautiful country that deserves support.

Procedurally, this directive does not mean the immediate launch of flights, but rather requires a series of legal and regulatory procedures within the US administration. Airlines will later assess economic feasibility and security standards before inaugurating their air routes to Beirut.

In Beirut, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam widely welcomed the decision, considering it a golden opportunity to revive the national economy. Salam indicated that the resumption of flights will boost travel and tourism and strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with Washington unprecedentedly.

These developments come in the context of an official visit by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the United States, which is the first visit by a Lebanese president to the White House in about 17 years. The visit began on July 18, carrying thorny political and security files.

During their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump stated that Lebanon has suffered mistreatment for a long time and should be accorded proper respect. He affirmed his country's commitment to providing the necessary support to Lebanon in the coming phase to ensure its stability and treat it as a key partner in the region.

For his part, President Aoun stressed the need to achieve comprehensive peace in Lebanon, calling for American political support to pressure Israel. Aoun called on Washington to intervene to ensure the complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories that are still under occupation.

On the ground, media sources reported that the Israeli army is still carrying out military operations and bombings in southern Lebanese areas. These movements come despite a signed agreement between the two sides on June 26 aimed at de-escalating the situation.

In a related context, the latest data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health revealed the extent of human losses due to the ongoing escalation since March 2026. The ministry recorded the martyrdom of 4328 people and the injury of more than 12,000 others, placing immense pressure on the country's health sector and infrastructure.

Lebanon has been mistreated for too long, and it deserves more respect, and we will work to ensure it is treated properly.