By Sami Zaptia.
London, 21 September 2021:
After a hiatus of more than two years, the first flight from Malta by Medavia landed in Tripoli’s Mitiga airport yesterday using a chartered MelAir / Lumiwings aircraft.
An inauguration ceremony, which included a live press conference and a cake cutting ceremony, was held at Mitiga airport.
The Libyan ceremony party included Minister of Transport, Mohamed Al-Shahubi, Minister of Economy, Mohamed Hwej, Undersecretary for Aviation Affairs, head of the Airports Authority, Director of Mitiga airport and several Directors of Departments who were there to welcome the Maltese Minister of Economy, Silvio Schembri, who arrived on board the inaugural flight.
Flights to facilitate bilateral trade
During his meeting with his Maltese counterpart, Minister of Economy and Trade Hwej stressed that this step contributes to facilitating the movement of business leaders between the two countries and organizing joint forums and exhibitions with the aim of raising the level of bilateral trade exchange and stimulating investment.
Aldabaiba’s Malta visit
The inauguration of the first flight between the two countries after more than two years came after the visit of Prime Minister Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba to Malta at the beginning of September and the signing of a memorandum of understanding in which it was agreed to resume flights between the two countries through chartered flights as a first stage.
The Maltese reaction
Commenting on the flight, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela tweeted ‘‘Today marks the first Malta-Libya flight by MelAir. We are witnessing tangible progress following our first meeting with Prime Minister Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba held in Malta. The concerted efforts of those involved, including the Libyan and Maltese authorities, is reaping results.’’
Maltese Ambassador to Libya Charles Saliba tweeted ‘‘A small but important step for Malta and Libya.’’ On Facebook, he added, ‘‘Today marks a very important day for Malta and Libya. The inauguration of the first flight after a number of years, which will connect the two countries together. Malta’s Economic Minister Hon. Silvio Schembri and Libyan’s Minister of Transport Hon. Mohamed Al-Shaboubi addressed those present and augurs closer relationship between the people of Libya and Malta.’’
Cost of flights
Medavia announced that a single ticket is priced at 230 euros for economy class and 350 euros for business class. Potential passengers should contact Medavia’s agents in Malta or on the day of the flight at Malta International Airport. Agents include: Planit Travel Services, FCM Travel and Sejal.
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