The General Authority for Hajj and Umrah Affairs announced on Thursday the signing of an agreement with Afriqiyah Airways to facilitate the transportation of Libyan pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj season.
In a statement on its official Facebook page, the authority confirmed that the contract was signed on Wednesday at its headquarters, in the presence of representatives from both the Hajj and Umrah Authority and Afriqiyah Airways.
The agreement includes organizing flights from major Libyan airports, including Mitiga, Benghazi, Misrata, Sabha, and Tobruk, ensuring safe and efficient travel for pilgrims during the 1446 AH / 2025 Hajj season.
This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for Libyan pilgrims by providing well-coordinated and secure transportation services.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county 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.
