U.S. President Donald Trump said American airlines have been approved to operate nonstop service to Beirut following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration is directing American airlines to establish direct flights to Lebanon, ending decades without nonstop service between the two countries. The announcement followed a meeting between Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House.
Travelers between the United States and Lebanon have long been required to connect through hub cities including Paris, Istanbul, Doha, Frankfurt, and Dubai before reaching Beirut. A direct route would substantially reduce journey times and simplify travel logistics for the hundreds of thousands of Lebanese residing in the United States.
Trump made the announcement via Truth Social, stating that he was directing his administration to allow American carriers to operate the service. The decision came after discussions with President Aoun at the White House meeting.
A nonstop link would ease travel for Lebanese-Americans visiting family or exploring business opportunities in their country of origin. It would also support efforts by Lebanon to rebuild its tourism sector and attract foreign investment following years of economic hardship.
The restoration of direct service would represent a significant shift in air connectivity between the two nations. Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport would become accessible to American carriers on routes that have not operated in decades.
The announcement aligns with Lebanon's broader efforts to strengthen international ties and restore confidence in its economy and institutions. Tourism and investment have been identified as critical to the country's recovery from its financial crisis.
Lebanese communities abroad, including in Canada, have spent years advocating for the reinstatement of direct flights. The Trump administration's decision appears to respond to those long-standing requests for improved air links.
The practical implementation of the announced service remains subject to regulatory approval from aviation authorities in both countries. Specific details regarding which carriers would operate the routes, departure schedules, and launch timelines have not yet been disclosed.
Next steps will likely involve coordination between U.S. and Lebanese aviation regulators to finalize technical requirements and operational standards for the new service. The Lebanese government has signaled its commitment to supporting efforts that strengthen economic and tourism ties with the United States.
