In a recent development, Abu Bakr Al-Wakwak, the Director of Public Relations for EgyptAir at Benghazi’s Benina Airport, confirmed the inability of an EgyptAir flight from Cairo to land at Benina Airport on Saturday. This incident was attributed to adverse weather conditions, dismissing any mechanical issues with the aircraft.
Al-Wakwak, in a statement to Al-Masar TV, clarified, “the aircraft is in perfect condition. The captain decided against landing despite a visibility range of three kilometers due to safety concerns.”
He further added that the plane was redirected to Athens, Greece, as it is the designated alternative airport for emergencies. He assured that the EgyptAir flight would return to Benina Airport after spending an hour in Athens.
Northern Libya, particularly the northwest region, is currently experiencing a weather disturbance due to a low-pressure system accompanied by cooling in the upper atmospheric layers. This has resulted in strong southwestern to western winds.
According to the National Meteorological Centre, wind speeds have exceeded 85 km/h in some areas, causing dust and sand to be stirred up, significantly reducing horizontal visibility.
This weather event highlights the challenges faced by air travel in regions experiencing severe meteorological conditions and the importance of safety-first decisions in aviation.
Last August, the Embassy of Chad in Libya stated that the transit flights are being organised in coordination with EgyptAir. The Embassy cited the move as a “measure to facilitate air travel for citizens wishing to return home, considering the risks and difficulties associated with overland travel.” For Chadians eager to take advantage of these transit flights, the Embassy has outlined certain requirements.
These include 1) valid travel documentation, 2) an exit visa, 3) a flight ticket (prices may vary depending on the booking period), and 4) requisite international vaccinations for travellers.