BMI has postponed the launch of services to the capital of Libya.
The Lufthansa-owned airline announced the Heathrow-Tripoli service – which will rival British Airways – in September, and at the time scheduled December 1 as the launch date.
However, red tape has held up the company’s ability to secure the necessary regulatory approval, and it now expects the service to start on February 21.
In a letter to its frequent flyers, BMI said the delay was “to complete the necessary regulatory procedures and other operational preparations”.
Over recent years Star Alliance airline BMI has focussed on developing its network in the Middle East, and already flies to Jeddah, Cairo, Damascus, Tehran and Beirut.
British Airways flies daily to Tripoli from Heathrow, while Libyan carrier Air Ariqiyah flies daily from Gatwick.
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