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After Over 40 Years, Direct Flights Between the US and Lebanon to Resume
After more than 40 years, direct flights between the US and Lebanon are finally making a comeback.
During a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, US President Donald Trump directed his administration to allow American airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon. Before that can happen, however, Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport will undergo a comprehensive security assessment by US officials to ensure it meets the required standards.
Direct flights between the two countries have been suspended since 1985 following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. The aircraft, which was flying from Athens to Rome, was forced to land in Beirut, triggering a 17-day hostage crisis that led to the suspension of direct air service between the US and Lebanon.
The possibility of restoring the route is now back on the table. However, no official timeline has been announced, and it remains unclear when flights could begin. Any decision will depend on the airport’s security review, regulatory approvals, and the broader security situation in the region, including current US travel advisories.
If direct flights return, they would make traveling to Lebanon much easier for the large Lebanese community in the United States. For decades, passengers have had to rely on connecting flights through Europe, the Gulf, or other regional hubs to reach Beirut.
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