Air Travel in Libya: Guide to Major Airports and Airlines

Guide to Air Travel in Libya

Libya is strategically located in North Africa and is served by several key airports that connect its major cities to destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Travelers planning their journey often apply for Libya eVisa before arriving, making it easier to fly into major airports like Tripoli and Benghazi.

From bustling international terminals to regional airports in Kufra and Ghat, the country’s aviation network continues to grow and adapt despite challenges in recent years. In this guide, we’ll highlight the major airports in Libya — this breakdown will help you navigate Libya’s skies with confidence.

Mitiga International Airport (MJI) – Tripoli

Located in the capital city, Mitiga International Airport is Tripoli’s primary functioning airport after the closure of Tripoli International. Though smaller, it remains a critical hub for domestic travel and a few international charters. It's heavily used by Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways.

Tripoli International Airport (TIP) – Tripoli

Once Libya’s main international gateway, Tripoli International Airport sustained major damage during conflicts but is undergoing reconstruction efforts. Plans aim to restore it as a key international airport in the future.

Benina International Airport (BEN) – Benghazi

This is eastern Libya’s busiest airport, located near Benghazi. It handles flights to cities like Cairo, Istanbul, and Amman. With 8 airlines operating and 12 destinations served, it's one of the top-functioning airports in the country.

Misrata International Airport (MRA) – Misrata

Misrata Airport serves central Libya and connects to regional destinations like Tunisia and Turkey. Five airlines operate from here with access to seven destinations. It's crucial for commerce and civil aviation.

Tobruk Airport (TOB) – Tobruk

Located in the northeast, Tobruk Airport serves both domestic flights and international routes to Egypt and beyond. It has 2 airlines flying to 3 destinations and plays an important role for eastern travelers.

Kufra Airport (AKF) – Kufra

Serving southeastern Libya, Kufra Airport is a small facility mainly used for local transport. It is served by two airlines with limited flight options, typically charter or humanitarian.

La Abraq Airport (LAQ) – Al Bayda (Beida)

Also known as Al Abraq International Airport, this is another eastern hub near Al Bayda. It supports two airlines with flights to key cities in Libya and regional destinations.

Ghardabiya Air Base / Sirt International Airport (SRX) – Sirt

Dual-purpose as a military base and civilian airport, Ghardabiya is operational with limited routes. It connects Sirt to two destinations and is mainly used for domestic flights.

Ghat Airport (GHT) – Ghat

In the remote southwest, Ghat Airport serves a small volume of traffic, supporting local travel. One airline operates here with just one regular route, important for desert connectivity.

Ghadames Airport (LTD) – Ghadames

This desert airport provides vital links for travelers in far-west Libya. It’s modest in scale but necessary for domestic routes, especially for humanitarian and regional purposes.

Ubari Airport (QUB) – Ubari

Another southwestern desert airport, Ubari Airport handles minimal traffic with one airline flying to one destination. It's a lifeline for local residents in a remote area.

Top Airlines in Libya

Despite political and economic challenges, several Libyan airlines are operational and serve both domestic and regional routes.

🇱🇾 Libyan Airlines (LN) – Flag Carrier

  • Callsign: Libair
  • Fleet Size: 14
  • Destinations: 22 Libyan Airlines is the country’s largest and oldest airline, operating both domestic and international routes, including those to Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, and Jordan.

Afriqiyah Airways (8U)

  • Callsign: Afriqiyah
  • Fleet Size: 14
  • Destinations: 14 Afriqiyah focuses on regional connectivity and is based at Mitiga International Airport. Known for its sleek black-and-white livery with a colorful tail design.

Global Aviation and Services Group (5S)

  • Callsign: Aviagroup
  • Fleet Size: 4
  • Destinations: 10 A private Libyan carrier providing charter and scheduled services to North Africa and parts of the Middle East.

Libyan Wings (YL)

  • Fleet Size: 4
  • Destinations: 4 A relatively new airline based in Tripoli, Libyan Wings offers modern services with a focus on business and short-haul international travel.

Buraq Air (UZ)

  • Callsign: Buraq Air
  • Fleet Size: 3
  • Destinations: 7 Offers charter and commercial flights across Libya and a few international destinations, with a growing presence in domestic air travel.

Libya’s air transport sector is rebuilding and modernizing. While challenges remain, major airports like Benina, Misrata, and Mitiga keep the country connected. 

National carriers such as Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways continue to expand operations, offering hope for a fully revitalized aviation network in the near future.

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