Libya: Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport (MJI) to resume flight operations December 12 /update 11

Event

The Deputy Minister of Transportation announced on Sunday, December 1, that flight operations at Tripoli's Mitiga Airport (MJI) are due to resume from Thursday, December 12. 

Residual disruptions are possible in the coming weeks. Attacks targeting MJI are also possible in the near term.

Context

On September 14, runway damage was reported at Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport (MJI) after indirect fire impacted the facility, following a Libyan National Army (LNA) airstrike in the area in the morning. MJI reopened on Tuesday, October 29, although flight operations did not resume immediately. 

The LNA launched an offensive into southern Tripoli on April 4. The advance halted 10-15km south of central Tripoli within a week and frontlines have remained largely static since. Some have moved south, out of the city. The initial offensive also triggered several foreign missions and international organisations to temporarily withdraw or to otherwise consider their international footprint in Libya. Central Tripoli itself remains permissive and conducive to most international operations, providing professional security providers are engaged.

Advice

Individuals traveling to Libya via MJI are advised to monitor the situation and confirm flight statuses and availability.

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