The state carrier, Libyan Airlines, announced yesterday that its flight, using its Airbus 330 from Istanbul to Tripoli’s Mitiga airport, will travel through the European air route through Greek and Maltese airspace. Previously, a flight ban had existed on all Libyan registered carriers into EU airspace.
Shortens flight by an hour
Libyan Airlines said the new route ‘‘shortens the flight time of the Istanbul – Tripoli route by about an hour as an initial step. In addition, it saves less than 3,100 kilograms of fuel, which increases operating efficiency and saves time for passengers alike and is considered a qualitative leap for the company to reduce operating cost’’.
The state carrier said this achievement came because of the strenuous efforts and tireless endeavours of the company. It thanked the (Tripoli based) Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Air Transport Department and the Libyan Airlines Air Deportation Department for their efforts in reopening this air route.
A source at a private Libyan carrier that flies to Istanbul said the European route had been opened to all Libyan carriers from Istanbul.
Afriqiyah Airways has also confirmed that its flight 8U971 from Istanbul to Tripoli’s Mitiga airport flew through EU airspace.
A source has informed Libya Herald that the EU airspace is only open to Libyan carriers, including to eastern Libya, on their return flights from Istanbul and not on their outward flights from Mitiga airport. The implication is that Libyan airports have not yet passed the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) safety test.
