Libya is expanding its aviation ties with Italy, paving the way for the resumption of direct flights between Benghazi and Rome.
This comes after high-level talks between the Director-General of Libya’s Reconstruction and Development Fund, Belgassim Haftar, and Pierluigi Di Palma, president of Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). As a result, ITA Airways is set to launch a Rome Fiumicino (FCO) to Benghazi Benina International (BEN) route in June 2025, marking a significant step in restoring Libya’s global connectivity.
Italy and Libya have been working on reviving air travel since signing a memorandum of cooperation in late 2023, which allows up to 14 weekly passenger flights and seven cargo flights between the two countries. This agreement is part of Libya’s broader efforts to reintegrate into the international aviation network, following years of restrictions due to security concerns.
Despite this progress, European airspace restrictions over Libya remain in place. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues to advise against flights over Libya due to ongoing security risks, with a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin in effect until April 2025. However, exceptions apply to flights landing at coastal airports, provided they follow strict safety guidelines, including sea-based approaches and coordination with local air traffic control.
These same conditions previously enabled ITA Airways to resume Rome-Tripoli flights on January 12, 2025. Since Benghazi Benina International Airport also meets EASA’s safety requirements, the upcoming Rome-Benghazi route aligns with EU aviation standards.
Libya currently has limited direct air links with Europe, with only three routes connecting Benghazi to the continent. Belavia operates a weekly flight from Minsk, while Libyan carrier Berniq Airways and Turkish Airlines serve Istanbul with six and three weekly flights, respectively. Turkish Airlines’ return to Benghazi in January 2025 marked its first operation there since suspending flights over a decade ago.
In addition to the Rome-Benghazi route, discussions between Libyan and Italian officials have reportedly included a proposed Milan-Benghazi connection, which could launch as early as summer 2025. These developments signal Libya’s ongoing push to restore international air travel and strengthen economic ties with Europe, while Italy continues to support Libya’s aviation sector recovery.
