On Thursday, Libyan Airlines resumed its flight operations to Sebha Airport, announced Taher Al-Bouseifi, the Director of Sabha Airport. Starting immediately, the airline will operate weekly flights from Mitiga and Benina airports to Sabha, significantly improving domestic travel within Libya.
In press statements, Al-Bouseifi revealed that discussions are underway with various airlines to restart their operations to and from Sebha, indicating a positive trend in aviation activities. He reported a significant uptick in flight operations, with a 60% increase in traffic at the beginning of this year compared to 2023.
Al-Bouseifi also confirmed that Sebha Airport is adequately equipped from a security and logistics standpoint to handle international flights. Plans are in place to expand services to include routes to Egypt and Tunisia soon, which will further establish Sebha as a crucial hub in southern Libya.
Despite these advancements, Al-Bouseifi acknowledged the ongoing need for infrastructure development and regular maintenance to ensure the airport meets international standards and can support the growing traffic.
The resumption of flights by Libyan Airlines not only marks an important step in enhancing domestic connectivity but also signals potential growth in international travel that could spur economic recovery and promote regional integration in southern Libya.
Sabha Airport, located in the southern part of Libya, has historically served as a vital gateway connecting various regions of the vast country. The resumption of flights by Libyan Airlines to this key hub is a significant development, especially considering the past disruptions in air services due to political instability and security concerns.
Libya has been navigating a complex political landscape since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, which led to fragmented governance and intermittent conflict affecting various sectors, including transportation and infrastructure. The aviation sector, in particular, faced numerous challenges, ranging from damaged infrastructure to operational disruptions due to security issues.
Sabha Airport, like many other facilities in Libya, experienced fluctuations in operational capacity during these turbulent times. The recent increase in flight operations and the planned expansion of international routes signify a stabilizing situation and a potential shift toward recovery and development in the region.
