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Trump says direct US-Lebanon flights could resume for first time in more than 40 years

The move would restore air links suspended since 1985 and could boost Lebanon’s diaspora ties, tourism, and investment, officials said.

  • On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced plans to resume direct flights between the United States and Lebanon during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington, ending a suspension lasting more than four decades.
  • Washington halted direct air links in 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 and security concerns during the Lebanese civil war, establishing a policy suspension that persisted for four decades.
  • Resuming services requires extensive United States technical and security assessments of airport infrastructure and screening procedures. If implemented, the move would boost the Lebanese diaspora, tourism, and investment as Lebanon seeks economic recovery.
  • Trump said Washington has "clear plans" to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, which Aoun described as "the pillar of stability." The leaders discussed implementing a framework agreement with Israel to permanently end regional hostilities.
  • As Israel is "in the process of withdrawing from the south," Aoun emphasized that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri supports efforts to end hostilities, working toward the "ultimate goal" of regional peace and security.
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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, said on Tuesday that he guided his government to authorize all American airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon, after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Read also: Trump minimizes prospect of negotiation with Iran and threat Houthi in the Red Sea Army of Lebanon enters the city in the south of the country after withdrawal of Israeli troops President of Lebanon and Trump discuss d…

·Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Trump announces direct US flights to Lebanon, reversing Reagan-era rule

The announcement followed a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House

·London, United Kingdom
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Associated Press News broke the news in New York, United States on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
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