Qatar Airways Returns to Libya in February

Qatar Airways has confirmed that it will resume flights to the Libyan capital Tripoli from February 2, 2012. The airline, like all other international carriers serving the Libyan market, cancelled its flights into the capital at the start of last year due to the political situation in the country.

The Gulf carrier has been serving the Doha – Tripoli for the past nine years but will make tentative steps back into the marketplace with an initial three times weekly link via Alexandria Borg el Arab using a 144-seat, two-class Airbus A320, but has plans to establish a direct service and greater frequencies in the future.

“Libya is an important market for us and it was unfortunate that unfolding events there had affected operations on safety grounds of all airlines flying to the country,” said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive officer, Qatar Airways. “We are delighted to be going back to Tripoli shortly and provide and help revive the much-needed air transport system in the country after the difficulties of the past few months.”

Qatar Airways already flies to Libya’s north eastern Mediterranean port city of Benghazi with four flights each week from its Doha International Airport base. Benghazi is a major economic centre and a key destination for trade and exports as Libya’s second largest city is home to many industries, including oil refining, food processing, cement production and tuna fishing.