Aoun welcomes Trump’s repeal of U.S. air restrictions on Lebanon, calling it a vote of confidence in Beirut’s aviation safeguards
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke presidential determinations restricting air transport to and from Lebanon, saying it reflected confidence in the Lebanese state’s steps to protect civil aviation and flights serving Beirut. Aoun said he hoped the move would increase air traffic, ease connections with the rest of the world and encourage broader U.S.-Lebanon cooperation.
Aoun thanked Trump for the decision and the measures to implement it, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for following up. He recalled that at their White House meeting in July, Trump responded to his request to restore air links, instructed U.S. officials to do so and directed U.S. airlines to resume flights to Beirut.
The Lebanese president said his country prioritizes civil aviation safety, Rafic Hariri International Airport’s security and air navigation. He added that Lebanon continues to take measures in line with internationally recognized standards to protect passengers and build confidence in the country and its institutions.
Trump’s September 30 determination, published in the Federal Register on October 5, revoked four earlier presidential determinations dating from 1985, 1992, 1998 and 2007. It said the restrictions were no longer necessary to protect aircraft operating to or from Lebanon against unlawful seizure and directed the Transportation Secretary to implement the change and revoke conflicting rules or orders.
