Reliable sources have revealed to Libya Herald that the Libyan privately-owned airliner, Ghadames Air, has obtained the necessary clearances to commence flights to Malta from Maetiga airport in Tripoli.

The sources revealed that if all things fall into place, flights could commence as early as Thursday. The times and frequency of flights are not set yet, the sources said, but that it is expected that there would be regular flights to and from Malta throughout the week.

It is also hoped, the source added,  that the cost of the flights would be slightly cheaper than those currently charged by private Malta-based oilfield flights provider, Medavia.

Medavia currently charges Euro 500-600 per one-way flight for its ”evacuation” flights. It is the only airliner currently flying directly from Libya into a European airport.

The Medavia flights, whilst attracting criticism for their high price, have nevertheless provided a lifeline for passengers wishing to fly to or out of Tripoli without having to travel via Casablanca, Istanbul or Amman. These flights have recently been made even lengthier by them having to transit in Al-Beida’s airport, Labrak.

A current EU flight ban prohibits any Libyan registered carriers from flying either directly into an EU airport or even overflying EU airspace. An Afriqiyah airlines flight was recently turned back midair as it approached Cypriot airspace en route to Istanbul. However, some Afriqiyah owned planes registered in Eire are allowed to fly over EU airspace.

 

Libya Herald said it has not been able to get any comment from the Maltese Civil Aviation Authority on the matter.