Trump revokes decades-old U.S. restrictions on flights to Lebanon, opening a path to direct service as Beirut’s ambassador welcomes the move

U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked four presidential actions restricting air travel to and from Lebanon, removing a legal obstacle to the eventual resumption of direct flights between the countries. Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Mouawad thanked Trump, saying the decision paves the way for direct air links to resume.

The memorandum, signed on September 30, repeals measures issued in 1985, 1992, 1998 and 2007. The restrictions’ removal does not mean flights will begin immediately: regulatory, security and operational arrangements remain, and no start date has been announced.

The restrictions date to 1985, when the Reagan administration suspended direct U.S.-Lebanon flights after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847, which was forced to land in Beirut.