Etihad Sets Tripoli Launch Date

Etihad Airways has confirmed it will inaugurate flights between Abu Dhabi and the Libyan capital Tripoli on January 17, 2012. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) operator will offer three return flights per week using a two-class, 162-seat Airbus A320, its fifth destination in North Africa.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, had confirmed in October that the airline was planning to fly to Libya “as soon as the NATO no-fly zone is lifted, the airport is declared safe and all appropriate infra-structure is in place we will be able to begin services”. At this time the airline had suggested it would use a 262-seat A330-200 on the route, but has obviously readjusted its operational plan.

Etihad Airways has developed a schedule on the route that, it says, will allow maximum connectivity over Abu Dhabi for flights from North and South Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, as well as serving strong point to point traffic. The flights will initially operate via Alexandria in Egypt, but will move to a non-stop basis once infrastructure is developed in the Libyan capital.

"We are delighted to be able to launch these flights do all we can to help the country get back on its feet at this critical point in Libya's history," said James Hogan. The new services will further strengthen links between Libya and the UAE as the Gulf nation was among the first to recognise the new government of the country and provide political, military and humanitarian support.