Summary
- Italy and Libya have reestablished a direct connection after a decade-long ban, marking a major milestone in Libya’s civil aviation industry.
- The primary nonstop flight between Rome and Tripoli was operated by ITA Airways, with the Libyan Prime Minister onboard.
- This reopening of air connectivity between the 2 countries is an important step in revitalizing Libya’s airspace and strengthening bilateral ties, with the potential for business flights starting this winter.
Libya’s civil aviation industry is celebrating a major milestone as ITA Airways operated the primary direct flight between Italy and Libya in almost ten years. The service got here three weeks after the Italian government lifted a decade-long flight ban on Lybian flights and makes way for scheduled nonstop flights between the 2 destinations.
First flight between Rome and Tripoli
As earlier reported, flights between Italy and Libya were suspended in 2014 because of the political unrest and unstable situation within the North African country on the time. Similarly, flights from Libya to several European destinations were suspended and should remain suspended for years.
Nevertheless, the civil aviation ban was lifted following successful talks between authorities from each governments. On July 9, the President of the Italian CAA (ENAC), Pierluigi Di Palma, along with Ambassador Gianluca Alberini, met with the Libyan Minister for Communications and Political Affairs, Walid Al Lafi, accompanied by the President of the Libyan CAA, after they signed an agreement to beat the 2014 EU Flight Ban.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
The successful service results from ongoing efforts to reestablish a direct connection between the 2 countries, which can strengthen their bilateral ties. The flag carrier was completely happy to support this initiative and is considering launching direct business flights to Libya starting this winter. ITA Airways said to Easy Flying;
“ITA Airways proudly supported the Italian Country System within the historic reopening of the air connection between Italy and Libya and operated the primary business flight to Tripoli. The Company can be considering offering business flight operations between the 2 countries from the upcoming winter season.”
Before the 2014 EU flight ban, connections between the 2 countries were available from Tripoli and Benghazi to Rome and Milan. In accordance with ENAC, Libya’s Medsky Airways will start operating business flights to Italy within the Autumn, strengthening connections with the European nation. FCO and MJI are only 617 mi (992 km) apart, making it a convenient connection.
Opening up Libya
Flight operations to and from Libya remain limited to just a few airlines. Considered one of the first connections outside Africa is with Istanbul, where Afriqiyah Airways and Libyan Airlines frequent. Nevertheless, various regional routes are still open, with Egyptair planning to launch flights between Cairo and Misrata.
Photo: InsectWorld / Shutterstock
A brand new reference to Italy can be a major step towards reopening Libya’s airspace to other countries. Aeropoti di Roma President Vincenzo Nunziata said,
ENAV SpA President Alessandra Bruni added,
What do you concentrate on reopening an air route between Italy and Libya? Will you be flying on ITA Airways anytime soon? Tell us within the comments!