The Maltese national carrier has started flying to Libya again, after a 6-month suspension of the route.
Air Malta stopped flying to Libya in March, when the United Nations Security Council established a no-fly zone over the country. This has now been lifted.
The airline is operating a three-times weekly service between Malta International Airport and Tripoli.
Louis Farrugia, the Air Malta’s chairman, was on the flight. He said the resumption of services was an “important step” in restoring commercial links between Malta and Libya.
“We are returning to Libya for the third time,” he said. “Tripoli was one of the seven destinations Air Malta flew to when it started air services on the 1st April 1974.
“On the 6th April 1999, Air Malta was the first international airline to fly to Libya after seven years following the suspension of the United Nations sanctions.
“Today we are reconfirming this commitment and are one of the first international airlines to restart services between both countries.”
He added that air services are a “vital link” for Libyan and Maltese citizens travelling on business or leisure.
www.airmalta.com