Trump Orders Resumption of Direct Flights to Lebanon After 41 Years

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that direct flights between the United States and Lebanon will resume, ending a 41-year suspension. The decision follows a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries.

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After meeting with President Aoun, who has achieved incredible things to bring Lebanon to a better place, I have ordered our administration to approve all American carriers to begin direct flights to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land.

Direct flights were initially halted in 1985 by the Reagan administration after militants linked to Hezbollah hijacked a TWA passenger jet. The hijacking incident led to a prolonged period of strained diplomatic ties and security concerns.

Trump made the announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated, "After meeting with President Aoun, who has achieved incredible things to bring Lebanon to a better place, I have ordered our administration to approve all American carriers to begin direct flights to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land."

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Other countries will do the same.

He further expressed hope that "other countries will do the same," indicating a broader diplomatic initiative. President Aoun's visit to the White House was the first by a Lebanese president since 2009. Trump remarked during the meeting, "Lebanon has been treated very unfairly. We will now ensure that Lebanon receives the respect and proper treatment it deserves. We will help Lebanon a lot."

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Lebanon has been treated very unfairly. We will now ensure that Lebanon receives the respect and proper treatment it deserves. We will help Lebanon a lot.