Sabha Airport’s Director General, Taher Al-Bousifi, announced that air traffic and navigation at the Libyan airport are expected to resume within the next 48 hours.
In a statement to the press, Al-Bousifi explained that the suspension of flights was due to significant damage caused by heavy rainfall, which impacted several airport facilities including the runway, passenger terminal, and various offices. Water infiltration disrupted some of the equipment.
He noted that the damage had been assessed and repairs were underway to prepare for the resumption of flights. This restoration effort is poised to alleviate the travel difficulties faced by citizens.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
