Italy’s flag carrier ITA Airways has restarted direct nonstop flights to Tripoli, Libya, marking the first time a Western European airline has resumed services there after a 10-year suspension.
On January 12, 2025, ITA Airways announced it will operate two direct flights each week from Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) to Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport (MJI).
“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,” Andrea Benassi, ITA Airways General Manager said in a statement.
The launch event at Fiumicino International Airport was attended by several Italian officials, including the Mayor of Fiumicino, leaders from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority and other officials, according to a report by Libyan News Agency (LANA).
The route resumption follows Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visit to Tripoli in October 2024. During the visit, both countries signed several cooperation agreements related to development, investment and infrastructure, according to local media reports.
Most international carriers suspended flights to Libya after the civil war in 2014, which divided the country into rival eastern and western administrations following the death of its former leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.
Since October 2024, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advises not to fly within the airspace of Libya at all altitudes and flight levels until April 30, 2025, citing “hazardous security situation”, “presence of terrorist organizations” and ongoing “military operations.”