Libya: Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport (MJI) reopens January 23 /update 4

Event

Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport (MJI) reopened on Thursday, January 23, following rocket attacks earlier that day. The reopening of MJI comes one day after the Libyan National Army (LNA) declared that a no-fly zone was in effect for the city. Operations at MJI were suspended on Wednesday, January 22, after the airport was targeted by indirect fire.

Further attacks targeting the airport remain possible, which may prompt further disruptions at MJI.

Context

Members of the international community continue to try to broker a ceasefire and political agreement between the GNA and the LNA. A ceasefire brokered by Turkey and Russia was announced on January 12, but localized breaches are ongoing, and tensions remain high.

The LNA launched an offensive on Tripoli on April 4, 2019, and prompted evacuations of foreigners from Tripoli on April 7, 2019. LNA and GNA airstrikes have been sporadically reported since April 8, 2019. The bulk of recent fighting has been concentrated in the southern suburbs of the capital.

Advice

Individuals flying via MJI are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate flight delays, and confirm flight reservations.

The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.