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From Terry Hodgetts, Aston Business School, UK
Birmingham, 26 February 2013:
Sir
I was one of the passengers caught up in the confusion last . . .[restrict]week during the period when Lufthansa were trying to re-instate their service to Tripoli. I note with disappointment the comments in the news from the authorities in Libya and sincerely hope it is not a sign of things to come.
I was frustrated when Lufthansa announced the postponement of their service, but at the same time, I can understand their caution. The security situation in Libya is not perfect, and with the 17th February celebrations approaching, caution is not surprising. Your own publication reported that: “There are also serious concerns that this opportunity will be seized by supporters of the former regime to fuel unrest and possibly conduct attacks that would undermine the credibility of the current government.” Throughout the time of the cancellation, I was confident that flights would resume quickly after February 17th, and my plans, and those of my colleagues and customers, would be unaffected.
Perhaps Lufthansa did fail to notify the authorities in the most appropriate and respectful way. Perhaps those in charge of the LYCAA did feel offended. I do not know. What I do know is that Lufthansa planned to recommence their service on February 20, and were refused permission by the authorities. This caused inconvenience to many passengers and their business associates in Libya. These passengers were wishing to travel to Libya to conduct business, to visit loved ones, and to support the country as it emerges from difficult times.
If somebody at the LYCAA is offended by Lufthansa’s actions that is up to him. The professional thing to do is to talk about it with Lufthansa and understand each other’s point of view, and find a way to move on. To unilaterally withdraw flight permissions is completely unnecessary and unprofessional. It does not serve fare-paying passengers, it does not serve the Libyan people and it risks damage to the Libyan economy.
At a time when the country is working so hard to rebuild, and when so many challenges remain, I sincerely hope we see less of this kind of behaviour in the future. Such petty, tit-for-tat action belongs in a different time, and to a previous Libyan regime.
Your faithfully
Terry Hodgetts
Director, Centre for Executive Development
Aston Business School
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