International Airspace Restrictions on Libya Lifted After 11 Years

International restrictions on flights through Libyan airspace have been lifted after 11 years, the country’s transport ministry has announced. The move could pave the way for a significant increase in international air traffic over the North African country.

The ministry announced the decision on Monday, October 26. According to Reuters, the restrictions were imposed in 2015 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) amid Libya’s civil war.

The decision to lift the restrictions was formally announced on October 23 by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar during the opening ceremony of a meeting of civil aviation officials from West Asia in Doha.

Libya’s transport ministry said the decision reflected recent progress in the country’s civil aviation sector and growing confidence in its capabilities.

According to the ministry, international airlines have submitted an unprecedented number of requests for permission to operate flights through Libyan airspace.

For the 2026–27 winter season, which begins in November, airlines have requested permission to operate 61,968 flights per month through the country’s airspace. By comparison, an average of just 2,000 flights per month used Libyan airspace during the previous winter season in 2025–26.

The ministry said increased air traffic could generate significant revenue for Libya through airspace usage fees.

Libya has experienced prolonged instability since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. In 2014, fighting between armed groups over control of the country escalated into a civil war, leaving Libya divided between rival administrations based in the east and west.

That year, clashes damaged around 20 aircraft, including Airbus planes, at Tripoli International Airport.

Currently, only a limited number of airlines operate flights to and from Libya. Available international connections mainly serve Tunisia, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.

Libya’s transport ministry said the ICAO decision would be circulated to the organization’s 193 member states for implementation.

Source: Reuters