On Saturday, Afriqiyah Airways confirmed on Saturday that all passengers on board one of its aircraft are safe after the plane veered slightly off the runway at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport.
The incident occurred during a pre-departure maneuver and did not result in any injuries or damage, according to both the airline and airport authorities.
In an official statement, Afriqiyah Airways clarified that the aircraft never took off, rejecting social media claims that the plane was forced to return after being airborne. “What occurred was a minor runway deviation before takeoff due to weather-related conditions,” the airline explained. It added that the aircraft was not experiencing any technical issues at the time.
The affected flight was scheduled to transport Libyan pilgrims from the Green Mountain region to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The airline noted that it is working quickly to resume the journey and has begun making alternative arrangements to ensure passengers reach their destination as soon as possible.
The acting director of Al Abraq Airport, Salahin Qwaider, also confirmed that the deviation occurred while the pilot was attempting a turning maneuver on a limited stretch of the runway. Weather conditions, including strong winds, were cited as contributing factors.
Passengers were safely disembarked and transported to temporary accommodations in the nearby city of Shahhat. Another aircraft is expected to complete the flight later in the day.
Afriqiyah Airways extended its gratitude to Al Abraq Airport staff for their swift and professional handling of the situation, praising their efforts to manage passenger concerns and maintain safety standards.
The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and emphasized that all necessary precautions were in place. Both the airline and airport teams are continuing to monitor the situation and ensure the successful completion of the journey to Jeddah.
