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Direct US-Lebanon flights to resume after Trump cancels ban

President Trump also said he would consider speaking directly with Hezbollah if Lebanon requested it.

By World Israel News Staff

President Donald Trump announced that he is ending a decades-long ban on direct commercial flights between the United States and Lebanon, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Lebanon relations after more than four decades of aviation restrictions.

The announcement came following Trump’s meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, whom the president praised for his leadership and reform efforts.

“After meeting with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, who has done a remarkable job working to transform his Country, I am hereby directing my Administration to allow all U.S. airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land. Hopefully, other Countries will do the same. Enjoy!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The ban on direct flights dates back to 1985, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibited U.S. airlines from operating direct service to Lebanon following the Hezbollah hijacking of TWA Flight 847. During the 17-day hostage crisis, passengers and crew were held captive, and U.S. Navy diver Robert Stethem was murdered, making the incident one of the most notorious acts of international terrorism of the era.

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Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed Trump’s decision, describing it as an important step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

The resumption of the direct flights will “strengthen travel and relations between Lebanon and the United States,” Salam said.

He added that he “can confirm that the Lebanese government is ready to facilitate all the necessary administrative and technical procedures to implement this decision as soon as possible.”

In a statement, the FAA said it “looks forward to working with airlines and our interagency partners to advance the president’s directive and support the safe return of flights to Lebanon.”

On Tuesday, Trump said he would be willing to directly “speak to Hezbollah”, should Lebanese President Joseph Aoun request that he do so.

Trump suggested that engaging with the terror group could help resolve ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.

“I will speak to people that a lot of people think I shouldn’t be speaking to and things work out,” he added.