Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba met France's Special Envoy to discuss political developments and confirm plans to resume direct flights between Libya and France by September, signalling renewed bilateral engagement and potential economic impact.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba hosted Paul Soler, the Special Envoy of French President Emmanuel Macron, in Tripoli for discussions focused on Libya's political trajectory and bilateral cooperation. The meeting comes as Libya seeks to stabilise its political institutions and re-engage with key European partners.
According to the Libyan government, the talks addressed recent political developments and ongoing efforts to unify state institutions. Both sides reiterated the importance of supporting initiatives that could lead to greater stability and pave the way for national elections. The meeting also covered ways to strengthen economic and development ties between Libya and France.
Direct Flights Set to Resume After 15-Year Hiatus
A key outcome of the meeting was confirmation that arrangements are underway to resume direct flights between Libya and France by the end of September. This follows an announcement by MedSky CEO Siraj Al-Fitouri that the airline will soon launch flights to Paris, marking the first such service in over 15 years. Paris will become MedSky's seventh European destination, joining Athens, Dusseldorf, Madrid, Malta, Milan, and Rome.
Al-Fitouri has also indicated that additional European routes, including London, may be introduced in the near future. In April, delegations from Lufthansa and ITA Airlines visited Mitiga airport and met with the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority to assess the potential for resuming ITA flights to Libya.
Regulatory Hurdles Remain for Broader European Access
Despite these developments, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) extended its ban on flights over Libya until January 2027, citing ongoing safety concerns. This regulatory barrier limits the full restoration of air connectivity between Libya and the wider European market, even as bilateral efforts with France progress.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to facilitate business, diplomatic, and personal travel, potentially supporting Libya's economic recovery and international reintegration. However, the broader reopening of European airspace to Libyan carriers will depend on further regulatory and security improvements.
