October 14, 2026
The head of the Syndicate of Travel and Tourism Office Owners, Jean Abboud, confirmed that the decision to cancel US restrictions on direct flights between Lebanon and the United States represents a positive indicator on the political and diplomatic levels, indicating that the return of these flights will contribute to achieving economic and social gains, strengthening bilateral ties, as well as supporting the tourism, trade, and investment sectors.
Abboud explained, in a statement, that this step reflects breaking the existing state of caution, but achieving the goal of actually resuming flights remains conditional on achieving sustainable security and political stability in Lebanon, in addition to American airlines verifying the security and safety standards adopted at Beirut Airport.
He pointed out that completing these procedural evaluations requires time, which is likely to take a period ranging from one year to a year and a half, or perhaps a shorter period, according to the procedures that the airlines will adopt and the results of their evaluations, pointing out that it is not yet possible to determine an accurate date for the resumption of flights.
In the same context, Abboud expected that completing this step – after meeting the required conditions and standards – would contribute to encouraging other international airlines to return to the Lebanese market, especially Canadian and Asian airlines (such as Indian, Malaysian, and companies from the Far East), which would enhance the position of Beirut Airport to become a regional air transport and transit center linking the countries of the region to the world.
He added that the return of direct flights will make it easier for Lebanese expatriates, especially those residing in distant countries such as the United States and Canada, to visit their homeland, in addition to saving time for travelers by eliminating the need for transit stations. He also pointed out that the entry of new airlines will enhance competition, which will reflect positively on travel ticket prices.
Abboud concluded by emphasizing that reaping these fruits is closely linked to the extent of the stability of the security conditions and adherence to safety standards, expressing his hope that appropriate conditions will be available for the return and expansion of airline operations in Lebanon as soon as possible.
