Libya’s aviation sector is preparing for one of its most significant milestones in nearly two decades as several Libyan airlines move toward signing major aircraft purchase agreements with Airbus during the upcoming Dubai Airshow.
These deals are expected to mark the largest aircraft acquisitions for Libya since 2006, signaling a renewed effort to modernize the country’s commercial aviation fleet and reconnect Libya with regional and international markets.
Berniq Air, Al-Buraq Airlines, and Medsky Airways have each submitted formal requests to acquire new Airbus aircraft and are in the final stages of negotiations.
The proposed orders focus on Airbus’s latest generation of fuel-efficient models, including the A330neo long-haul aircraft and the A320neo and A321neo from the highly successful Airbus single-aisle family. These aircraft are sought after by airlines worldwide for their lower operating costs, improved environmental performance, and increased passenger comfort.
If finalized at the Dubai Airshow, the agreements would represent a major leap forward for Libyan aviation, which has faced years of setbacks due to political division, restricted operations, and aging fleets. Restoring aircraft capacity and upgrading technology are viewed as essential steps in improving reliability, expanding routes, and rebuilding international partnerships.
Airbus welcomed the renewed activity from Libyan carriers, emphasizing that interest from multiple Libyan airlines reflects growing confidence in the country’s stabilization efforts. Aviation analysts note that Libya’s return to the global commercial aircraft market is also closely linked to ongoing infrastructure development, particularly the construction of the new Benghazi International Airport.
The new airport project has attracted considerable global attention, as it is expected to become one of the largest and most advanced aviation hubs in North Africa. With expanded facilities, increased passenger capacity, and modern operational systems, the airport is poised to play a central role in Libya’s aviation recovery and future growth.