Trump Lifts Decades-Old Restrictions on Flights Between Lebanon and the US
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has formally lifted decades-old restrictions on flights to and from Lebanon, removing one of the biggest legal obstacles to restoring direct air links between the two countries.In a presidential memorandum signed on September 30 and published in the Federal Register, Trump said the restrictions imposed under presidential orders issued in…
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has formally lifted decades-old restrictions on flights to and from Lebanon, removing one of the biggest legal obstacles to restoring direct air links between the two countries.
In a presidential memorandum signed on September 30 and published in the Federal Register, Trump said the restrictions imposed under presidential orders issued in 1985, 1992, 1998 and 2007 are no longer necessary to ensure the security of aircraft flying to or from Lebanon and to protect them from unlawful seizure. He fully revoked all four orders and directed the Secretary of Transportation to implement the decision immediately and rescind any conflicting regulations, rules or orders.
The issue of resuming direct flights was raised by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during his visit to Washington last July. The Lebanese presidency said at the time that Aoun discussed with Trump the importance of restoring direct air connections, while Trump said he had not ruled out the possibility of resuming flights.
The Lebanese Embassy in Washington welcomed the decision, calling it a reflection of confidence in the security measures taken by Lebanese authorities and an important first step toward resuming direct flights. According to the news outlet Al-Sharq, Beirut–New York is the first route being worked on as part of arrangements to restart direct service.
However, lifting the restrictions does not mean flights will begin immediately. Beirut and Washington must still finalize regulatory, security and operational arrangements, obtain the necessary US approvals and establish air transport arrangements. No start date has been set. Middle East Airlines said last July it has aircraft capable of operating a direct Beirut–New York route, but indicated that implementation requires coordination with the US side and completion of procedures.
