Italy’s ITA Airways made history on Sunday by resuming direct flights to Libya’s Tripoli, marking the first major Western European airline to do so after a decade-long pause due to civil war in the North African country.
This significant move aims to strengthen commercial and cultural ties between Libya and Italy.
The airline will operate two direct flights weekly from Rome’s Fiumicino airport to Tripoli’s Mitiga airport.
According to Andrea Benassi, ITA Airways’ general manager, this inaugural flight marks a proud moment for the airline, as it reinforces bilateral relations between the two countries.
Libya’s transport minister, Mohamed al-Shahoubi, welcomed the resumption of flights, stating that it confirms the safety and security of Libya’s airspace and airports.
He also expressed Tripoli’s readiness to grant ITA additional transport rights to connect Libyan airports with other European Union destinations.
This development comes after some international airlines resumed flights to Libya following a ceasefire in 2020.
However, efforts to resolve the country’s ongoing political crisis have been unsuccessful, with factions occasionally engaging in armed clashes.
ITA Airways’ resumption of direct flights is expected to boost connectivity between Africa and Europe.
Ivan Bassato, chief aviation officer of Rome’s airports, highlighted the strategic importance of the Libya route, noting that it will strengthen Rome’s hub and support Africa’s growing connectivity, which saw a 38% increase in passengers to and from Rome in 2024.
