US airlines to resume direct flights to Lebanon after 40 years, says Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that American airlines will be allowed to resume direct flights to Lebanon for the first time in more than four decades, following talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House.The announcement came shortly after the two leaders concluded their meeting, during which they discussed efforts to maintain stability in Lebanon after months of conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral ties."I 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," Trump said in a post on social media after Aoun left the White House.Direct commercial flights between the United States and Lebanon have been suspended since 1985, when the Reagan administration halted the route following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.While announcing the move, Trump also pledged continued US support for Lebanon, describing the country as one that had been unfairly treated."It's been a very badly treated place and country, and we're going to have it properly treated and treated with the respect it deserves. We're gonna help it a lot," Trump said during his meeting with Aoun, without outlining specific measures.However, despite the administration's decision, it remains uncertain when direct services will actually resume. The ongoing conflict involving Iran, broader regional airspace disruptions and lingering security concerns linked to Hezbollah's influence in parts of Lebanon are expected to make airlines cautious about restarting operations.Aoun's four-day visit to Washington also focused on securing long-term stability in southern Lebanon and strengthening cooperation with the United States amid continuing regional tensions.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.