Libya’s international aviation restrictions lifted after 11 years
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Businessday
The International Civil Aviation Organization has lifted restrictions imposed on Libyan aviation in 2015 during the civil war, clearing the way for the resumption of air links. The decision, formalised on 23 October, will be sent to the 193 member states for implementation, according to Libya’s Transport Ministry, quoted by Reuters.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has lifted restrictions imposed on Libyan airspace in 2015 during the civil war, Libya’s Transport Ministry announced on Monday. The decision was formally taken on 23 October, according to the ministry, quoted by Reuters.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar announced the measure at the opening of a meeting of civil aviation officials from the Middle East in Doha. The ministry attributed the decision to recent progress in Libya’s civil aviation sector and the confidence placed in its capabilities.
The restrictions will be sent to the ICAO’s 193 member states for implementation, the ministry added. Flights to and from Libya continue to be operated by a limited number of airlines, to countries including Tunisia, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.
The measure comes as the sector continues to bear the damage caused to Tripoli International Airport in 2014, when up to 20 aircraft, including Airbus planes, were damaged. Libya descended into chaos after Muammar Gaddafi’s fall in 2011, then experienced civil war from 2014 between rival factions.
