The Head of the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce, Nicolas Colecki stated that the short-term resumption of direct flights represents “an extremely positive development for enhancing communication between the two countries. The reopening of these aerial routes is seen as a crucial step towards a stronger Italian-Libyan relationship, strengthening the business ties that connect them.”
In an interview with Nova Italia, Colecki disclosed, “We wrote a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani about the problems hindering the operation of companies working in Libya, including the total shutdown of flights.”
Colecki emphasised that the “restart of these direct flights is not only crucial for creating a tangible connection between the countries, but it also marks a significant advancement in building a network of Libyan and Italian small and medium-sized business entrepreneurs. The improvement in travel infrastructure is instrumental in facilitating these important business exchanges.”
The air route between Italy and Libya is highly profitable, given the increasing demand for direct flights to Europe, which currently are only available via Tunisia, Istanbul, and more recently, Malta.
Colecki went on to say that Maltese and Libyan airlines are interested in operating flights with Italy. He stressed that the resumption of flights with Libya “represents a significant commercial success. The economic implications of this move promise to stimulate bilateral trade and intensify business activities, thus promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between Italy and Libya.”
On Saturday, Libyan Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba announced that the Italian government has decided to lift the decade-long air traffic restriction, placed on Libyan civil aviation.
In a statement, Dbaiba confirmed that commercial flights are slated to recommence in September, signalling a significant development for Libyan travel.
He applauded the transportation sector, the committee assigned to resolve the issue, and all those involved in bringing about this progressive move which, according to him, will notably ease travel for Libyan citizens.
Reposting an earlier tweet following his return from a diplomatic trip to Rome in June, Dbaiba reaffirmed his commitment to working with Italian authorities to expedite the process of lifting the ban. He also emphasised the need to simplify the visa process for Libyan citizens.
