Libya: Flight operations resume at Mitiga Airport (MJI) after indirect fire attack August 17 /update 3

Event

Officials at Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport (MJI) indicated that flight operations have resumed as of approximately 13:00 (local time) on Friday, August 17, after flights were halted following an Indirect Fire (IDF) attack at 01:30 on Thursday, August 16.

Further airstrikes are possible in the near term in Tripoli, including at MJI.

Context

MJI suspended operations and diverted flights to Misrata after a missile attack targeted the airport and killed one worker. Flights resume later in the day. The airport has been targeted by air and mortar strikes multiple times in recent months; however, the strikes generally do not hit the main runway or any civilian facilities and normal flight operations have typically been restored within a few hours.

The Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive on Tripoli on April 4 and prompted evacuations of foreigners from Tripoli en masse on April 7. LNA and Government of National Accord (GNA) airstrikes have been sporadically reported since April 8. The bulk of recent fighting has been concentrated in the southern suburbs of the capital.

Advice

Individuals in Tripoli and traveling via MJI are advised to monitor the situation, confirm flight reservations, avoid areas affected by fighting, maintain safe and current evacuation plans, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.