US President Donald Trump has officially announced the resumption of direct air travel between the United States and Lebanon. This decision, announced on the social media platform Truth Social, marks a turning point in bilateral relations that had been severed for four decades. The leader of the White House urged US airlines to immediately begin preparations for flights, emphasizing the need to restore ties with a "beautiful land".
Historic Step Following Meeting with Aoun
The decision to lift the ban was made by Donald Trump immediately following his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Despite the complex geopolitical situation in the Middle East and ongoing military operations by Israel against radical groups, the leaders of the two countries demonstrated unity. Trump highly praised Aoun's efforts to stabilize the situation and officially instructed the administration to open the airspace for US carriers.
"I am instructing to allow all US airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon. Americans should be able to easily visit this beautiful land," the president wrote in his statement.
The Shadow of 1985: How a Terror Attack Severed Ties
Direct air travel between the two countries was effectively halted in 1985. At that time, the Ronald Reagan administration imposed strict restrictions following one of the most notorious aviation hijackings in history. Terrorists hijacked TWA Flight 847 after it departed from Athens and forced the Boeing 727 to land in Beirut.
Passengers and crew were held hostage for more than two weeks. The tragedy claimed the life of a US Navy serviceman, who was killed during an attempted assault on the aircraft. This event severed direct air bridges for decades, turning Lebanon into a closed zone for US air carriers.
Reality vs. Politics: Obstacles to Flights
Despite the political will of the president, flight authorization does not mean an immediate start of operations. A significant obstacle remains the current security assessment. The US State Department still keeps Lebanon in the "red zone" — the highest level of danger. Official Washington continues to strongly advise citizens against traveling to this country.
Consequently, airlines will be forced to independently assess risks and make decisions on launching routes. In conditions of instability, insurance premiums and flight safety requirements may become a serious barrier for business.
Who Will Be the First Passengers?
Lebanon is unlikely to become a mass tourist destination for ordinary Americans in the near future. However, a huge diaspora living in the US will ensure stable demand for tickets. According to the 2020 census, about 686,000 people of Lebanese origin live in the States, although some experts estimate this figure to be over a million.
These people often fly to their homeland to visit relatives, especially during the summer season. Statistics confirm this trend: in 2022, more than 60% of all visitors to Lebanon were dual citizens. It is this category of passengers that will form the basis for the resumption of air travel.
