Libya, EU hold talks to lift the ban on Libyan aircraft from European airspace

Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Prime Minister, Abdulhamid Al-Dbaiba, and the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina-Ioana Vălean, on Wednesday met to discuss progress of work of the joint committee of the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Agency (EASA).

During a meeting at the European Union (EU) headquarters, the two parties examined the technical report submitted last December by the Civil Aviation Authority and the technical comments, according to a government statement.

The European Commissioner welcomed the remarkable progress and the positive programme aimed at developing the Libyan civil aviation system, according to the results of the EASA project steering committee for the Euro-Mediterranean countries.

Ms Vălean also reviewed the steps taken in the agreement reached between the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority, which will help to complement European requirements.

She also felt that the monitoring of this issue by Prime Minister Al-Dbaiba would help to remedy the situation and lift the ban on Libyan flights over European airspace.

Mr Al-Dbaiba stressed the importance of cooperation on this issue, given its importance for Libya and the creation of good conditions for the return of businesses and investments between Europe and Libya.

In 2014, the European Union decided to ban all Libyan airlines from its airspace, following the deterioration of security in the country in the wake of clashes between rival armed groups that led to the burning of Tripoli international airport and several aircraft.

However, since the installation of the Government of National Unity in March 2021 and the establishment of stability in the country, several foreign airlines, including Tunisair, Egypt Air, Italy's ITA and Air Malta, have resumed their flights to various Libyan cities.

-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 16May2024