A Decade In The Making: Libya-Italy Flights Resume, Bridging A Long-Awaited Connection

By Adeyemi Adekunle

In a triumphant moment after nearly a decade of severed ties, the skies between Libya and Italy were once again open to travelers, marking the end of a chapter that began with a European Union ban on Libyan airlines in 2014. On a crisp Saturday morning, the tarmac at Mitiga airport in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, saw a flurry of activity as twenty-five passengers prepared to board a historic flight.

Operated by Medsky Airways, a Libyan-based carrier that defied the odds and soared above the ban, the flight promised a direct link to Rome, Italy’s vibrant capital. It was a momentous occasion for both nations and for Libyans, who had long yearned for an easier way to reach Europe. Hamdi Zanad, the airline’s station manager at Mitiga airport, spoke of the significance of this moment. “This will make it much easier for Libyan citizens to travel to Europe and alleviate the difficulties associated with the interruption that has lasted for almost 10 years,” he emphasized.

The roots of this development trace back to the turbulent times that plunged Libya into chaos, prompting the EU’s restrictive measures. For the past decade, Libyans desiring European destinations had to endure arduous journeys through intermediary cities like Tunis, Istanbul, or Cairo. The resumption of direct flights brings respite—a respite that is greatly appreciated by the Libyan populace.

The reintroduction of flights marks a critical chapter in the ongoing efforts by Libyan governments to reverse the European ban on civil aviation. Successive Libyan administrations had persistently lobbied for the lifting of the embargo, viewing it as a vital step towards normalization.

Notably, Medsky Airways, the airline at the forefront of this resurgence, made its debut in 2022, one year after Malta, an EU member, signaled its willingness to reestablish air links with Libya. However, the precise mechanism that enabled Medsky Airways to circumvent the EU ban remains shrouded in mystery.

In early July, the Libyan government shared the news that Italy had lifted its ban on Libyan civil aviation using Italian airspace, heralding the resumption of flights in September. Italy, as Libya’s former colonial power, shared a unique bond with the North African nation. With this development, the two nations have regained a semblance of their historical ties. Remarkably, Italy, along with the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, stands as one of the only European countries to have restored flights to Libya.

Yet, despite the palpable excitement and optimism in Libya, Rome has remained tight-lipped about the matter, offering no official comment or confirmation.

As Libya and Italy reestablish this crucial link, it is not just a flight resumption but a testament to the resilience of nations striving to mend strained ties and reconnect with their shared histories. The skies, once divided by politics and conflicts, now carry hope for a brighter, more connected future.