Libya Reports Surge in Airspace Transit Requests to 61,968 Per Month

The Ministry of Transport, based in Tripoli, reported yesterday that international airlines have shown unprecedented demand for permits to transit through Libyan airspace.

Surge in winter season permits

According to the ministry, the number of permits registered with the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority for the 2026/2027 winter season has surged to 61,968 flights per month, effective from this coming November.

A key gateway between continents

The ministry described the increase as significant, noting that the monthly average during the previous 2025/2026 season was fewer than 2,000 transit flights. This sharp rise, it said, underscores the importance of Libyan airspace as a key gateway between continents.

Confidence from international carriers

The ministry added that expectations that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will lift security warnings regarding the use of Libyan airspace have bolstered the confidence of international carriers. Airlines are now keen to resume operations and adopt Libyan airspace as a vital and preferred route, it said.

Revenue and operational readiness

This development is set to provide a substantial boost to the national treasury through increased revenue, while simultaneously requiring further enhancements to operational readiness and efficiency to keep pace with the steady rise in air traffic, the ministry said.