Italy’s ITA Airways returns to Tripoli after a decade

Italy’s ITA Airways resumed direct flights to Tripoli, Libya on Sunday, marking the first such service by a major Western European airline in a decade.   

The resumption of flights follows a ten-year hiatus due to the ongoing civil conflict in Libya.   

ITA will operate two direct flights per week between Rome’s Fiumicino airport and Tripoli’s Mitiga airport.   

“We are proud to inaugurate today our first direct commercial flight between Tripoli and Rome Fiumicino, strengthening commercial and cultural ties between Libya and Italy in support of bilateral relations between the two countries,” said Andrea Benassi, ITA Airways general manager.   

The civil war that erupted in 2011, leading to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, has significantly impacted air travel to and from Libya. While some airlines have resumed flights in recent years, following a relative period of stability, the political and security situation in Libya remains fragile.   

The resumption of ITA Airways flights is seen as a positive step towards improving connectivity and strengthening ties between the two countries.

The Libyan Minister of Transport, Mohamed al-Shahoubi, expressed his hope that other major airlines, such as Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, and Saudi Airlines, would soon resume services to Libya.   

This development underscores efforts to improve transportation links and facilitate travel between Libya and the international community.

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