Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to lift presidential measures that had imposed restrictions on air transportation involving Lebanon.
Aoun said the move reflects Washington's confidence in Lebanon's measures to ensure the safety of civil aviation and protect air traffic between Beirut and international destinations.
According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, Aoun thanked Trump for the decision and the executive measures expected to follow.
A Step Toward Restoring Air Connections
Aoun said Trump had previously responded to his request to ease restrictions on air travel between Lebanon and the United States during their meeting at the White House in July.
During that meeting, Trump instructed U.S. officials to work toward restoring air connections between the two countries.
The Lebanese presidency said the U.S. president also issued immediate instructions to American airlines regarding the return of flights to Beirut.
However, the statement did not specify when regular flights would resume or provide details about the implementation of the new measures.
Aoun expressed hope that the decision would help increase air traffic and make travel between Lebanon and the rest of the world easier.
Lebanon Highlights Aviation Safety
The Lebanese president emphasized that his government considers civil aviation safety and the security of Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport a top priority.
Lebanese authorities are continuing to implement measures aimed at meeting internationally recognized aviation standards and ensuring the safety of passengers and air navigation.
Aoun said these efforts are intended to strengthen confidence in Lebanon and its institutions while supporting the country's international air connections.
Potential for Broader U.S.-Lebanon Cooperation
The Lebanese president welcomed the U.S. decision as a potential step toward broader cooperation between Beirut and Washington.
He also thanked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his follow-up on the issue and recognized the officials involved in advancing the process.
While the immediate focus is on restoring and expanding air links, Beirut hopes the decision will contribute to closer cooperation with Washington in other areas as well.
For Lebanon, restoring reliable international air connections could also support travel, business activity and wider economic engagement with the international community.