Trump Eases Lebanon Flight Restrictions, Promises Support

WHO:

One Mile at a Time - President Trump, Joseph Aoun (President of Lebanon)

AP News - Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hezbollah

WHAT:

One Mile at a Time - President Trump announced that U.S. airlines can once again fly to Lebanon, reversing a ban in place since 1985.

AP News - Trump stated, “I am hereby directing my Administration to allow all U.S. airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land.”

AP News - Trump pledged to help Lebanon “a lot” during a meeting with Aoun.

AP News - Direct flights between the U.S. and Lebanon were suspended in 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

WHERE:

One Mile at a Time - Lebanon

AP News - White House, Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

AP News - Aoun's visit to Washington lasted four days.

AP News - A framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel was announced on June 26.

WHY:

One Mile at a Time - The ban was lifted following a meeting aimed at improving U.S.-Lebanon relations and addressing regional stability.

AP News - Trump described Lebanon as “a very badly treated place and country” and expressed a desire for it to be treated with respect.

HOW:

AP News - The U.S. State Department is involved in mediating talks between Lebanon and Israel.

AP News - The implementation of the framework agreement includes operations in pilot zones where Israeli troops are expected to withdraw.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 16:26 UTC)

President Trump has announced that U.S. airlines can once again fly to Lebanon, lifting a ban that has been in place since 1985. During a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Trump expressed his commitment to help Lebanon significantly and emphasized the importance of improving U.S.-Lebanon relations. This decision follows a recent framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which aims to enhance regional stability and facilitate operations in areas where Israeli troops are set to withdraw.