According to Reuters report on the 21st, U.S. President Donald Trump said after meeting with the Lebanese President who visited the White House on Tuesday that he has instructed the U.S. government to allow all domestic airlines to fly direct to Lebanon, in order to facilitate travel for Americans to Lebanon. He also expressed hope that other countries would take similar measures.
This move means that Trump has lifted a U.S. ban that has been in place for over 40 years. In 1985, armed individuals suspected of being associated with Hezbollah in Lebanon hijacked United Airlines Flight 847, which was carrying passengers and crew from Greece to Rome, Italy. After the plane made an emergency landing in Beirut, more than 150 passengers and crew members were held captive for 17 days, and one U.S. Navy diver was killed. President Reagan at that time ordered a temporary suspension of commercial direct flights between the United States and Lebanon.
According to reports, it is still unclear whether major American airlines plan to launch flights to Beirut. Before resuming flights to Lebanon, US officials need to conduct a thorough safety review of Beirut Airport and confirm its safety conditions.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration stated, “We look forward to working with airlines and our cross-sectoral partners to implement the president’s directive and support the safe restoration of flights to Lebanon.”
Reuters also reported that the US Department of State has issued a travel warning to U.S. citizens stating that they should avoid Lebanon, citing the highly tense situation in the Middle East. In February of this year, due to security concerns, the U.S. government ordered all non-essential federal employees and their family members to leave Lebanon.
On July 21 local time, Trump met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. This was Aoun's first formal meeting with a U.S. president since he took office in January 2025, and it also marked the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the White House since 2009.
Trump said that both sides have previously communicated through representatives, and their relationship is very harmonious. He also mentioned that Lebanon has long suffered from extremely unfair treatment, and the United States will provide assistance to Lebanon.
Trump revealed that they will discuss the issue of the Lebanese army taking over the villages evacuated by Hezbollah, and that the United States has developed some very specific plans. Additionally, various other parties will also participate to provide assistance. Trump also said that if Aoun wishes, he will engage in dialogue with Hezbollah.
