Panafrican News Agency

Libyan officials discuss mechanisms to lift EU ban on its airspace

Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Omar Katti reviewed with the aviation authority the mechanisms for lifting the ban on its airspace imposed by the European Union (EU) on Libyan civil aviation.

During the meeting held on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority in Tripoli, the mechanisms for lifting the ban on Libyan civil aviation imposed by the European Union, and the measures that can be taken so that Libyan airports can receive international airlines were discussed.

According to a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting was attended by the Libyan Deputy Minister of Transport in charge of air transport, Khaled Souissi, the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, the Director of the Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and officials and experts of the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority.

In 2014, the European Union banned all Libyan airlines from its airspace following the deterioration of 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 companies 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/JSG/BBA/MA 5Aug2021