President Donald Trump directs the U.S. government to allow American airlines to resume direct commercial flights to Lebanon for the first time in more than four decades. Multiple outlets report the move follows a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The direct route has been suspended since 1985, when the U.S. halted flights after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847, which was forced to land in Beirut during a hostage ordeal in the mid-1980s.
Several reports describe the action as lifting an existing restriction that has prevented direct US-Lebanon service since the Reagan administration era. One outlet notes that before flights can resume, U.S. officials must conduct security-related review procedures for Beirut airport and certify safety. Another adds that U.S. aviation authorities say they will work with airlines and interagency partners to implement the directive.
While outlets agree on the authorization and the historical reason for the suspension, they also reflect uncertainty about whether airlines will immediately add routes, given ongoing regional security concerns and existing travel advisories for Lebanon.
