Libya has marked a significant milestone by resuming commercial flights to Italy for the first time in ten years.
A flight, facilitated by Libyan carrier Medsky Airways, on Sept. 30 departed from Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, heading for Rome, as per a statement from the Tripoli-based Libyan government.
The Libyan Embassy in Italy has disclosed that two Libyan flights are scheduled to operate to Rome weekly, every Saturday and Wednesday. This development comes after the European Commission imposed a ban on flights from Libya in 2014 due to the prevailing chaos and conflict within the country.
Italy, however, lifted its air embargo on the North African nation last July, following extensive discussions between Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and Italian officials in Rome. Subsequently, Italian ITA also conducted a flight from Rome to the Libyan capital in July.
This resumption of flights is a beacon of hope for Libya, a country rich in oil but plagued by turmoil since 2011, following the overthrow and demise of its long-term leader, Muammar Gaddafi. The re-establishment of air connectivity with Italy symbolizes a step towards normalization and strengthened bilateral relations, potentially fostering economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations. (AA)
