Italian Aviation Delegation Reviews Libya’s Readiness to Lift EU Flight Ban

The Director-General of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority arrived in Tripoli on Monday, leading a delegation of aviation safety experts.

The visit, coordinated by the European Commission, aims to assess Libya’s progress in meeting EU safety standards. It is a crucial step toward lifting the European flight ban imposed on Libyan airlines since 2014.

The five-day evaluation includes a detailed review of Libya’s aviation regulations, technical staff qualifications, airline oversight programs, and digital safety measures. The team will determine whether Libya has addressed previous safety concerns and meets EU requirements for air travel restoration.

In March, the European Commission will hold a meeting in Brussels with Libyan aviation officials. The Italian delegation’s report will play a key role in these discussions as it provides the latest independent safety assessment from European specialists.

Before leaving Libya, the Italian team will present a preliminary evaluation to the Libyan Minister of Transport.

The findings will outline progress, existing challenges, and areas requiring further improvement.

In June 2023, the European Commission extended the flight ban on Libyan airlines, citing continuing safety concerns. Since 2022, Libya has been working on a comprehensive aviation reform plan, focusing on modernizing infrastructure, strengthening regulations, and upgrading operational standards.

In November 2023, the Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba called on the EU to take practical steps toward lifting the aviation ban. He emphasized Libya’s commitment to meeting all safety requirements and the economic importance of restoring direct flights between Libya and Europe.

Libya’s aviation sector has been struggling for years due to political instability, weak regulatory oversight, and outdated safety measures. The ongoing flight restrictions have forced Libyan travelers to rely on transit hubs in Tunisia, Turkey, and Egypt.

The inability to operate direct flights has severely affected trade, business, and tourism.

Experts believe lifting the EU ban would revitalize Libya’s economy and attract foreign investment.