After a decade-long hiatus, Italy's flag carrier, ITA Airways, has resumed direct flights to Libya's capital, Tripoli, marking a significant step in restoring air connectivity between the two nations. The first flight touched down at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli on January 12, 2025, symbolizing a hopeful return to normalcy and cooperation between Italy and Libya amidst years of political and security instability in the latter. ITA Airways and Libyan transport officials celebrated the inaugural flight from Rome's Fiumicino Airport as a beacon of strengthened bilateral relations. ITA Airways has committed to operating two direct flights per week between Rome and Tripoli, with the airline expressing ambitions to expand this service. The resumption of these flights was facilitated by a concerted effort from the Italian government, the Libyan Government of National Unity, and civil aviation authorities from both countries, ensuring all safety and regulatory standards were met.
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Andrea Benassi, ITA Airways' general manager, highlighted the significance of this move, stating, "We are proud to inaugurate today our first direct commercial flight between Tripoli and Rome Fiumicino, strengthening commercial and cultural ties between Libya and Italy in support of bilateral relations between the two countries." This sentiment was echoed by Mohamed al-Shahoubi, Libya's Minister of Transport, who emphasized the safety and security of Libya's airspace, asserting that the resumption of ITA flights confirms these standards. The cessation of direct flights in 2014 was due to the Libyan civil war, which not only disrupted air travel but also severed many commercial and cultural links between Libya and the rest of the world. The war led to the European Union imposing a flight ban on Libyan carriers, and many airlines suspended their routes to Libya. However, with recent improvements in security, particularly in Tripoli, and diplomatic efforts to stabilize Libya, airlines have gradually begun to return.
This reestablishment of air service follows similar moves by other airlines, including those from Tunisia, Egypt, Malta, Turkey, and Jordan, which have already resumed direct flights to Libya. Libya also anticipates the return of other major airlines like Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, and Saudi Airlines in the first half of 2025, indicating a broader recovery in the nation's aviation sector. For Italy, the resumption of flights to Libya is part of a strategic initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to enhance Italy's role in the Mediterranean and North Africa. It aligns with her "Mattei Plan" for Africa, which aims to reduce irregular migration through economic and infrastructural investment in African countries, including Libya.
The route between Rome and Tripoli is not just about reconnecting the two capitals but also about fostering economic partnerships, which have historically been strong between Libya and Italy. Libya, with its oil resources, has long been a significant trading partner for Italy, and the direct flight route is expected to boost business travel and tourism, potentially aiding Libya's economic recovery. However, challenges remain, including ongoing political instability in Libya and the need for continued security improvements to ensure the safety of these international flights. The successful operation of these flights by ITA Airways could serve as a model for other European carriers considering a return to Libya, potentially leading to further international connectivity for the North African country. As both nations look forward, the resumption of direct flights by ITA Airways is more than just a logistical achievement; it's a symbol of hope for a more stable and interconnected future.