- After hosting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, President Donald Trump announced that he was directing the U.S. government to allow all domestic airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon.
- US flights to Lebanon were suspended in 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847, which was forced to land in Beirut.
- Before flights to Lebanon can resume, U.S. officials will need to conduct an extensive security review of the Beirut airport and certify its safety.
- The FAA stated it looks forward to working with airlines to implement the President’s directive and support the safe return of flights to Lebanon.
- Currently, the U.S. State Department has a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Lebanon for Americans, citing high tensions in the Middle East.
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that U.S. airlines can resume flights to Lebanon, a significant policy shift after a suspension lasting nearly four decades. This decision follows a meeting with Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun, who secured a pledge of support from Trump to aid his country amidst ongoing turmoil.
All U.S. flights to Lebanon were halted in 1985 after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847, which resulted in a tragic 17-day standoff and the death of a U.S. Navy diver. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expressed its commitment to work with airlines to ensure the safe return of flights, pending a thorough security review of Beirut's airport.
Despite the announcement, it remains uncertain whether major U.S. airlines, such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, will resume operations due to ongoing security concerns in the region. Currently, the U.S. State Department maintains a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Lebanon, citing high tensions in the Middle East. The FAA's collaboration with airlines aims to facilitate a safe return to air travel in the region, marking a potential turning point for Lebanon's connectivity with the U.S.
“Aoun secured a pledge of support from Trump that could help rescue Lebanon from a half-century of chaos. The FAA said it looks forward to implementing the directive, but a security review of Beirut airport and the State Department's 'Do Not Travel' advisory remain obstacles.”
DD News
