Libya is preparing to open a direct air route between Benghazi and two major Italian cities—Rome and Milan—by early June 2025. The announcement follows a high-level meeting held today, Monday, between Libyan and Italian officials in Benghazi, aimed at finalising preparations for the flight’s launch.
The Director-General of Libya’s Reconstruction and Development Fund, Belgassim Haftar, hosted the Italian delegation, which included Gianluca Alberini, Italy’s Ambassador to Libya; Francesco Luigi, Italian Consul; Pierluigi Palma, President of Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority; and Francesco Brescia, a representative of Italy’s ITA Airways. Representatives from Italian aviation companies, ground handling services, and air traffic control also attended the discussions.
According to the Fund’s media office, the meeting brought together key Libyan officials, including the Director-General of Benina International Airport, officials from Libya’s Civil Aviation Authority, and representatives from customs and passport control at the airport.
The discussions focused on reviewing the outcomes of previous visits and ensuring all technical and administrative measures are in place for the launch of the direct flights. Both sides confirmed that flights between Benghazi and the two Italian cities are scheduled to begin in early June, as previously agreed.
This meeting marks the second round of discussions between Libyan authorities and their Italian counterparts. A similar meeting was held in Rome last December, where both parties laid the groundwork for enhancing air connectivity between the two countries.
The new direct flights are expected to boost travel, trade, and economic cooperation between eastern Libya and Italy, while offering new opportunities for Libyan passengers and businesses. It represents a significant step in reintegrating Libya into international aviation networks following years of limited connectivity due to security concerns.
