Donald Trump says US airlines will once again be allowed to operate direct flights to Lebanon, more than four decades after American carriers stopped serving the route.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met Trump at the White House on Tuesday, July 21, as Beirut looks for support from Washington following months of conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah.
The meeting came as the US continues to help facilitate direct discussions between Lebanon and Israel, while Lebanon works to stabilize a country that has been battered by war, political paralysis and a worsening economy.
Trump told Aoun:
“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.”
Following the meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social to say that US carriers would be cleared to resume direct services to Lebanon, ending a gap of 41 years.
“After meeting with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, who has done a remarkable job working to transform his Country, 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.
“Hopefully, other Countries will do the same. Enjoy!”
There have been no direct passenger flights between the US and Lebanon since 1985, when Ronald Reagan suspended travel after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.
In practice, any return of nonstop service would still depend on airline decisions and the usual aviation and security clearances, and no carrier has yet announced a launch date or specific route.
Even though airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines could now be permitted to run those services, Lebanon is still listed by the US government as a ‘Do not travel’ destination.
The State Department currently tells Americans to avoid going to Lebanon and, if already there, to leave when it is safe. It also warns that US authorities may be unable to provide much assistance in a crisis.
As for Lebanon, US officials warn people:
“do not travel for any reason due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict.”
That advisory was most recently updated on May 6, 2026, and the State Department says it ordered non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave Lebanon on February 23 because of safety risks.
The latest advisory states:
“Terrorist groups, including Hizballah, IRGC, ISIS, and Hamas, continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon.
“Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.”
The State Department also says tourists, aid workers, journalists, and business travelers may be seen as ‘targets of opportunity’ while in the country.
For now, it is not clear whether official US travel guidance will be updated following Trump’s decision to permit direct flights.