Libya’s Kufra International Airport reported last Thursday (2 October) that it is experiencing increasing air traffic through its airspace these days. Kufra, in the deep southeastern desert corner of Libya in the triangle between the Egyptian, Sudanese and Chadian borders, is located about 1,724 kms by road from the capital Tripoli and 1,025 kms from the regional eastern capital Benghazi.
80 and 100 aircraft from various international airlines pass through its skies daily
The airport reported that between 80 and 100 aircraft from various international airlines pass through its skies daily. These includ Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, EgyptAir, Air Liban, Air Niger, and other carriers. This is in addition to regular domestic flights from national operators connecting Kufra to other Libyan cities.
Air traffic control team managing traffic flow efficiently
The airport management, credited with supporting and facilitating operations, thanked the air traffic control team for their prominent role in organizing and managing this traffic and ensuring its efficient flow.
Increased air traffic reflects Kufra region’s security and safety, confirms its strategic position
Kufra airport said this increased activity reflects the security and safety enjoyed by the Kufra region and confirms its position as a strategic air gateway, as it is the only area in Libya through which transit aircraft can fly.
The official Libyan state news agency LANA reported that this reflects a clear indication of the stability witnessed in the region.
Fuelling service to be introduced to enhance airport as a strategic hub
It says the airport management confirmed that efforts are continuing to develop the infrastructure and improve monitoring and safety systems, with a plan to activate fuelling services. This will enhance the airport’s position as a strategic hub, support the local economy, and provide job opportunities for the region’s residents.
Analysis
It will be recalled that Libyan governments have been working hard over the last ten years to reinstate flights to Libyan airports – including flights crossing its airspace.
Libya had been losing millions of US dollars’ worth of revenue from fees for flights over its airspace. Increased air traffic over the very remote Kufra airport’s skies should help allay fears and encourage more flights into crossing Libya’s vast airspace.
The government’s recent efforts have come with success, with ITA Airways resuming direct flights between Tripoli and Rome. Recent Tripoli militia clashes have led to the temporary suspension of ITA flights. Other flights that have started or resumed over the last few months/years include, MedSky, Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air, and Royal Jordanian.
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