ITA Airways becomes first EU carrier to restart Libya flights

ITA Airways becomes the first EU airline to resume direct flights to Libya from Rome.

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ITA Airways has launched a new air connection between Rome and Tripoli, Libya, marking the first direct flight between the two cities in years.

The inaugural flight, ITA Airways flight AZ868, departed from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) at 09:25 and landed at Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport (MJI) at 11:58. The service, operated with an Airbus A319-100, returned to Rome at 2:08 PM..

This new route, operating twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, strengthens economic and cultural ties between Italy and Libya.

ITA Airways General Manager Andrea Benassi highlighted the airline's commitment to improving connectivity and supporting bilateral relations between the two nations, saying, "This new flight is yet another demonstration of the Company's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality connectivity for Italy while proudly supporting the progress, growth, and development of the Nation and the business communities operating in Libya."

Libya's Ambassador to Italy, Muhanad Saeid Younus, attended the launch and praised the connection as an important step toward enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

He stated, "It is a new beginning that reinforces the ties between our peoples and opens new opportunities for economic, commercial, and cultural cooperation. We hope this will be just the first of many bilateral successes for the benefit of both Nations."

Photo: ITA Airways

This route is part of ITA Airways' expansion, which now includes 55 destinations during the winter season. The airline operates a fleet of 102 aircraft, with additional deliveries scheduled.

The new connection to Tripoli further strengthens Rome as a key hub for air travel between Europe and Africa.