US lifts 1985 flight restrictions on Lebanon, but direct services still pending

US President Donald Trump has scrapped decades-old restrictions on air travel with Lebanon, a move that paves the way for direct flights between the two countries to return. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision on Saturday 10 October 2026, but no start date for services has been announced.

Key facts

• Four presidential orders issued in 1985, 1992, 1998 and 2007 have been revoked
• Direct flights have been suspended since 1985
• A presidential memorandum was signed at the end of September 2026
• Beirut–New York is reported as a possible early route
• Flights still require US technical and security assessments before they can resume

What is changing?

Under Presidential Order 2026-25, Trump revoked the four earlier orders and instructed the US secretary of transportation to implement the decision immediately and cancel any conflicting regulations or directives. A presidential memorandum signed by Trump at the end of September stated that the restrictions were no longer needed to secure aircraft flying to or from Lebanon or to protect them from unlawful seizure.

Direct flights between the two countries have been suspended since 1985, when Washington halted air links after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 and the killing of an American serviceman during the Lebanese civil war.

When will direct flights actually resume?

The decision does not mean services restart straight away. Any resumption would still require US technical and security assessments, covering airport infrastructure, passenger screening procedures, aviation safety systems and cooperation between Lebanese and American authorities. No date has been given for when flights might begin.

Reports have suggested Beirut–New York could be among the first routes to return. Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines, said in July that it had aircraft capable of flying the route.

Why is this happening?

The resumption of direct flights was discussed during Aoun's visit to the White House in July, when Trump announced that flights would resume, months before the latest presidential orders were signed.

The Lebanese Presidency said the decision reflects confidence in the steps taken by the Lebanese state to ensure civil aviation safety, protect air traffic to and from Beirut, and improve the security of flights linking Lebanon with countries around the world. Aoun also reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to international aviation safety standards, saying the country continued to prioritise passenger safety and the security of Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport.

The Lebanese Embassy in Washington also welcomed the decision, describing it as a sign of confidence in the security measures taken by Lebanese authorities.

What this means for travellers

Travellers considering a direct trip between the United States and Lebanon should not yet plan around non-stop flights, as no routes, airlines or start dates have been confirmed. Those interested in the Beirut–New York connection can watch for announcements from Middle East Airlines, which has said its aircraft could operate such a route.

The next step is the US technical and security assessment of Lebanese airport infrastructure and procedures. Until that process is complete, no direct services will take off.