Italy lifts its airspace ban on Libyan aviation
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The prime minister of the government of national unity, Abdelhamid Al-Dbaiba, has announced that the Italian government has informed him of its decision to lift the air ban imposed on Libyan civil aviation 10 years ago for flights to resume next September.
In a tweet on Sunday, Mr. al-Dbaiba wrote: "I thank Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, and I appreciate the efforts of the transport sector and the committee formed for this purpose, as well as all those who have contributed to achieving this breakthrough to facilitate travel for our fellow citizens."
The Libyan official recalled that, during his last visit to Italy, he stressed the importance of the Libyan and Italian committees completing their work to lift the Italian ban on Libyan civil aviation as soon as possible, while underlining the importance of facilitating the issue of visas for Libyan citizens.
In 2014, the European Union decided to ban all Libyan airlines from its airspace following the deterioration in security in the country in the wake of clashes between rival armed groups that led to the burning of Tripoli international airport and several aircraft.
Seven Libyan airlines are affected by this measure: Afriqiyah Airways, Air Libya, Buraq Air, Ghadames Air Transport, Global Aviation and Services, Libyan Airlines and Petro Air.
-0- PANA BY/IS/BBA/RA 9July2023
