U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked four decades-old presidential orders restricting air transportation to and from Lebanon, removing a major legal obstacle to the possible resumption of direct flights between the two countries.

The decision, signed on September 30 under Presidential Determination No. 2026-25 and published in the Federal Register on October 5, revokes measures issued in 1985, 1992, 1998 and 2007.

Trump determined that the restrictions were no longer necessary to protect aircraft operating to or from Lebanon against unlawful seizure. He directed the U.S. secretary of transportation to implement the decision immediately and repeal any regulations, rules or orders that conflict with it.

The move removes the presidential basis for the restrictions but does not automatically authorize airlines to resume flights. Regulatory, security and operational arrangements between Beirut and Washington still need to be completed, and no date has been announced for the launch of direct services.

The Beirut-New York route is the first being considered as part of the preparations to restore direct air links, according to information obtained by Asharq.

Middle East Airlines, Lebanon's national carrier, said in July that it had aircraft capable of operating direct flights between Beirut and New York, while stressing that the route would require coordination with U.S. authorities and the completion of the necessary procedures.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed Trump's decision, describing it as a sign of confidence in the Lebanese State's efforts to ensure civil aviation safety, protect air traffic to and from Beirut and strengthen the security of flights connecting Lebanon with the rest of the world.

He thanked Trump for revoking the restrictions and for the measures expected to follow, noting that the U.S. president had responded to his request during their July meeting.

Aoun also expressed appreciation for U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's close follow-up on the issue and thanked all those who had contributed to advancing the process.

The Lebanese president stressed that Lebanon attaches the highest priority to civil aviation safety, security at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport and air navigation. He said the country continues to implement the necessary measures in line with internationally recognized standards to protect passengers and strengthen confidence in Lebanon and its institutions.

Aoun voiced hope that the decision would increase air traffic, improve Lebanon's connections with the rest of the world and pave the way for broader cooperation between Beirut and Washington.

Lebanese Embassy welcomes U.S. decision

The Lebanese Embassy in Washington also welcomed the move, calling it an important first step toward restoring direct flights and a reflection of confidence in the security measures adopted by Lebanese authorities.

In a statement, the embassy said the decision followed Trump's announcement after his meeting with Aoun at the White House on July 21 and a subsequent meeting between Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Rubio on September 28.

The embassy said the outcome reflected sustained efforts by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the Lebanese Embassy in Washington and Lebanon's Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

It expressed its sincere thanks to Trump and his administration, saying the decision underscored the historic friendship and close ties between the two countries and their peoples.

The embassy added that the eventual resumption of direct flights would strengthen links between Lebanon and the large Lebanese diaspora in the United States, deepen ties between the two populations and create new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and exchanges.

Regulatory and security arrangements still required

Trump's memorandum formally revokes Presidential Determination No. 85-14, issued on July 1, 1985; No. 92-41, issued on August 17, 1992; No. 98-32, issued on June 19, 1998; and No. 2007-22, issued on June 5, 2007.

The memorandum states that the measures are no longer necessary to ensure the security of aircraft operating to or from Lebanon against unlawful seizure. It directs the transportation secretary to implement the decision immediately, revoke inconsistent regulations and orders, and publish the determination in the Federal Register.

However, lifting the restrictions does not mean direct flights can begin immediately. The two countries must still complete the necessary U.S. approvals and finalize regulatory, security and operational arrangements, including the relevant air transportation procedures.

If those steps are completed, the resumption of direct flights would restore an important link between Lebanon and the United States, making travel easier for members of the Lebanese diaspora and potentially boosting tourism, trade and investment between the two countries.