US President Donald Trump lifted the direct flight ban between Lebanon and the US, which had been in place since 1985. In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced that he had ordered that US airlines be allowed to operate direct flights to Lebanon.
The decision came right after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was hosted at the White House. This visit was the first by a Lebanese president to the US presidential residence in over 17 years. Trump stated that he issued the order following the meeting.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed satisfaction with Trump's order and thanked him. In a statement from the prime minister's office, Salam stressed that the Lebanese government is ready to take the necessary executive and technical steps to implement the order as soon as possible. Salam described the step as a 'significant opportunity' that will strengthen travel and communication between Lebanon and the US and support the Lebanese economy.
However, the order does not mean flights will start immediately. Administrative, regulatory and technical procedures need to be completed between relevant agencies for implementation to take effect. Airlines will also decide to open direct routes after security, feasibility and operational assessments.
Direct flights between the US and Lebanon were halted in 1985 after a TWA plane was hijacked and forced to land in Beirut, and due to security concerns during the Lebanese Civil War. Since then, travelers have had to fly between the two countries with connecting flights.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said Lebanon had been 'badly treated for a long time' and that the US would work to ensure Lebanon receives the respect it deserves. Lebanese President Aoun stated that it is time for his country to achieve stability and security. Aoun urged Trump to continue political and military support for Lebanon and to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory.
The two leaders discussed the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel on June 26 and the deployment of the Lebanese army to southern areas vacated by Israeli forces. Despite the agreement, Israeli forces remain in southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese side reports continued military operations and violations.
Ridvan Sezer | Editor-in-Chief
