A plane from EgyptAir landed at Libya’s Misrata International Airport on Thursday, arriving from Cairo International Airport. This occurred after a 10-year long hiatus.
The management of Misrata Airport stated that flights between Misrata and Cairo will operate weekly. The airport’s Facebook page posted photos capturing the moment of the Egyptian airline’s first flight arrival.
Last October, the Misrata International Airport received the first air cargo flights carrying goods from EgyptAir, marking the inauguration of the second air cargo route with western Libya after several years of suspension.
EgyptAir launched its first cargo flights to Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli last year.
EgyptAir operates 15 flights a week to Libya, with seven flights to Benghazi, seven to Tripoli, and one to Misrata.
In January, the Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, Yahia Zakaria, announced that EgyptAir will operate new direct flights to Misrata, Libya.
Zakaria added that this step is part of the company’s “ambitious plan to expand its network in Africa, reaching vital points to enhance trade and economic exchange between Egypt and Libya.” This decision is in response to the increased travel between the two countries, and the growing presence of Egyptian residents in Libya.
In a press statement, Zakaria mentioned that Misrata will become the third destination in Libya for EgyptAir, following Benghazi and Tripoli.
EgyptAir has introduced discounts for the first four flights, to encourage travelers on the new route. The inaugural flight will have a 50% discount, and the subsequent three flights will have a 25% discount, if tickets are purchased by 20 January.
After adding Misrata to its network, EgyptAir will operate a total of 15 flights per week to Libya, with seven flights to Benghazi, seven to Tripoli, and one to Misrata.
Earlier, the Director of the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority, Mohamed Ashleibek anticipated the lifting of the European aviation ban on Libya in April 2024.
According to Ashleibek, international audits of civil aviation in Libya have yielded mostly positive results. He told Al-Wasat newspaper that Libya will be ready to welcome European flights in April, coinciding with the reopening of Tripoli International Airport.
The official mentioned the readiness of several Arab and foreign airlines to resume direct flights to Libyan airports. Negotiations are underway with Turkish and Qatari airlines to resume their routes.
