Libya's National Airlines Struggle as Government Plans New Carrier

A recent report from Air Data News, a specialized aviation website, has revealed that 12 out of 13 aircraft belonging to Libya's national airlines, Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways, are currently out of service. This development comes as the Libyan government, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, is working to establish a third national airline in partnership with US-based Boeing. The report cited data from Planespotters, a website that tracks aircraft information.

According to the report, Afriqiyah Airways' fleet of 8 aircraft is entirely out of service, while only one of Libyan Airlines' 5 planes remains operational. The report noted that such databases may not immediately reflect changes in operational status. The news comes as Libya's national airlines have faced significant challenges in recent years, including international sanctions and conflict.

On November 12, Mustafa al-Manea, head of the Executive Committee for Strategic Projects, met with Boeing representatives to discuss potential flight routes, travel demand, and fleet needs. They also explored the possibility of establishing an aircraft maintenance center that would provide services within Libya and abroad. The new airline's launch and details about its fleet and operations have not been announced.

The Libyan government has been in talks with Boeing since 2025, with discussions continuing in March 2026 on the feasibility study, business plan, and timeline for establishing the new airline. An agreement was signed in Washington in May, followed by meetings in October and November to discuss financial and operational aspects, as well as training programs for staff.

The future of Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways remains uncertain with the introduction of a new government-backed carrier. The report did not provide information on any potential deals for purchasing aircraft for the new airline. The country's aviation sector has faced significant challenges, including a lack of investment and infrastructure.

The new airline is expected to be a major player in Libya's aviation market, but details about its operations and management remain scarce. The government has not disclosed the name of the new airline, its fleet size, or when it will begin operations. This development has raised questions about the future of the country's existing national airlines.

The establishment of a new national airline in Libya is seen as a strategic move to boost the country's aviation sector and economy. However, the challenges facing the existing national airlines and the new carrier's unclear future have raised concerns among industry experts. Key points include:

Key points

• 12 of 13 planes from Libya's national airlines are currently out of service
• The Libyan government is working with Boeing to establish a third national airline
• The future of Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways remains uncertain with the introduction of a new carrier