Libya’s Ministry of Transport says the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has lifted airspace restrictions imposed on the North African country in 2015 during its civil war.
The ministry announced that the decision was formally issued on 23 October 2026 and disclosed by ICAO Secretary-General, Juan Carlos Salazar at a meeting of Middle Eastern civil aviation officials in Doha, Qatar.
According to a statement published on the ministry’s verified Facebook page, “this measure comes as a result of the notable progress made and the confidence placed in the capabilities of the Libyan civil aviation sector in recent times.”
The ministry described the development as a reflection of growing international confidence in the country’s aviation capabilities.
It also reported a sharp increase in applications from international airlines seeking permission to transit Libyan airspace.
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In a separate statement, the ministry said, “the number of transit permits registered for the 2026–2027 winter season had reached 61,968 flights per month, effective from November.”
The figure represents a substantial increase from the average of approximately 2,000 monthly transit flights recorded during the 2025–2026 season.
Libyan authorities said the anticipated rise in air traffic could generate additional revenue from aircraft using the country’s airspace.
Prolonged Disruptions
Libya’s aviation industry has faced prolonged disruption following years of political instability and armed conflict.
The country descended into instability after the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi during a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.
In 2014, fighting between rival armed groups further divided the country, contributing to the emergence of competing administrations in the east and west.
The conflict also affected aviation infrastructure, with fighting at Tripoli International Airport in 2014 damaging up to 20 aircraft.
International air services have remained limited, with relatively few airlines operating flights to and from Libya.
Existing international connections have largely been restricted to destinations including Tunisia, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.
The Ministry of Transport said ICAO’s decision would be communicated to all 193 member states for implementation.
