U.S. President Donald Trump has officially rescinded restrictions in effect for decades governing flights to and from Lebanon. The decision nullifies restrictions imposed under presidential determinations issued in 1985, 1992, 1998, and 2007, determining they “are no longer necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft operating flights to or from Lebanon and to protect them from unlawful seizure.”
The issue of resuming direct commercial flights between both countries was previously raised during Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Washington this past July. At the time, the Lebanese presidency confirmed that Aoun discussed with Trump the importance of restoring direct aviation links. At the same time, the U.S. president said he did not rule out resuming flights.
Under Presidential Determination 2026-25, Trump fully revoked the four historical executive orders and instructed the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to implement the directive immediately, superseding any contrary regulations, rules, or orders. The Lebanese Embassy in Washington welcomed the move, framing it as an expression of confidence in the security procedures instituted by Lebanese authorities and an essential first step toward re-establishing direct routes. Reports indicate that the Beirut–New York corridor is the initial route currently being developed under the direct aviation framework.
Lifting federal restrictions does not mean flights will launch overnight, as authorities in Beirut and Washington must still finalize operational, regulatory, and counter-terrorism security protocols. No concrete start date for direct flights has been scheduled yet. Requisite procedures include securing necessary U.S. regulatory clearances and finalizing formal bilateral air transport agreements between the two nations.