Libya Lifts International Flying Restrictions After 11 Years

International aviation restrictions on Libya have been lifted after 11 years, according to the country’s Ministry of Transport.

The ministry said measures introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization in 2015 were formally removed on October 23rd. The decision was delivered by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar during a meeting of Middle Eastern civil aviation officials in Doha.

The change comes as Libya reports a sharp increase in demand from international airlines seeking permission to transit its airspace. Registered permits for the 2026–2027 winter season have reached 61,968 flights per month from November, compared with an average of around 2,000 monthly transit flights during the previous winter season.

The ministry said increased use of Libyan airspace could generate additional revenue through transit fees, although registered permits do not necessarily translate into completed flights or guaranteed income.

Libya’s aviation sector has faced prolonged disruption since 2011, including damage to airport infrastructure and aircraft during fighting at Tripoli International Airport in 2014. International services remain relatively limited, with existing routes concentrated on destinations including Tunisia, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Sudan.

The Ministry of Transport said ICAO’s decision will be circulated to all 193 member states for implementation.