The United States will restore direct commercial flights to Lebanon for the first time in more than 40 years, with US President Donald Trump announcing he has directed his administration to allow US airlines to resume services once security requirements are met.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI am hereby directing my Administration to allow all US airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land,\u201d Trump said in a post on Truth Social.<\/p>\n
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Direct flights between the two countries have been suspended since 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. Before services can resume, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) will need to complete the necessary US security certification and regulatory approvals.<\/p>\n
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UAE to open first overseas digital visa hub in Beirut<\/a><\/p>\n Lebanon to launch low-cost airline in 2027<\/a><\/p>\n UAE lifts Lebanon travel ban<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the decision, describing it as \u201ca significant opportunity to enhance travel and connectivity\u201d between Lebanon and the United States while supporting the country\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The announcement comes as Lebanon advances wider aviation expansion plans. The country is preparing to launch low-cost carrier Fly Beirut<\/a> in 2027, with routes planned to Dubai, Istanbul, Paris, Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam and D\u00fcsseldorf. The Lebanese government is also progressing a US$500 million second terminal at Beirut\u2013Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), which will add capacity for five million passengers annually.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n