Royal Jordanian Airlines announced on Sunday the agreement to resume flights to Libyan capital, Tripoli, starting from 17 September, following a years-long hiatus.
Hossam bin Fayad, the regional representative for Royal Jordanian Airlines in Libya and Chairman of Pluto Travel and Tourism, told Almashhad Alaraby news website that the company will facilitate visa issuance for Libyan citizens wishing to travel to Jordan for medical treatment, tourism, and other purposes.
This development follows a visit by a delegation from the Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority to Libya, aimed at assessing the possibility of resuming direct flights between Amman and Tripoli.
The delegation reviewed the infrastructure and logistical preparations of Tripoli’s airport during their visit.
Royal Jordanian Airlines CEO Samer Majali had previously announced the airline’s intention to resume flights to Libya, with plans for at least three daily flights.
Majali emphasized that the airline had been working towards resuming flights to Libya, including conducting a security survey of Libyan airports and flight paths.
He also mentioned that the airline recently secured approval from Libyan authorities to resume operations at Tripoli Airport.
Libya, after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, has faced years of instability and conflict. The situation has severely impacted its infrastructure, including its aviation sector. Mitiga International Airport, located near the capital city of Tripoli, has been a focal point in the efforts to restore normalcy and improve the connectivity of Libya with the rest of the world.
The previous visit by a Royal Jordanian delegation was in 2021, during which all necessary requirements were met to facilitate the resumption of flights between Amman and Tripoli. The resumption of flights between Amman and Tripoli is seen as a positive development, reflecting an improvement in the security situation and efforts to rebuild the country’s aviation infrastructure.
The reopening of this route not only facilitates travel and trade between Jordan and Libya but also serves as a symbol of the gradual recovery and rebuilding of Libya’s international connections. This move is expected to encourage other international airlines to consider resuming their services to Libya, thus enhancing the country’s global integration.
The successful resumption of Royal Jordanian flights is anticipated to boost tourism and business travel between the two nations. It will also provide a crucial link for Libyans seeking medical treatment, education, and other services in Jordan. For Jordanians, it opens up opportunities to explore business ventures and cultural exchanges in Libya.
