Turkish Airlines announced today the start of its direct flights between Istanbul and Benghazi on 14 January 2025 and lists Benghazi’s Benina Airport as a destination on its official website. The carrier will operate 3 weekly flights on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The move comes after a 10-year hiatus of its flights to eastern Libya and comes after much improved economic and political relations between Turkey and former foes in eastern Libya who were on opposite sides in the war on Tripoli launched by Khalifa Hafter.
The improved stability of the security situation in eastern Libya has seen the return of Turkish companies to work in Benghazi.
Turkish airlines said it considers the resumption of flights an important step that has the potential to improve trade and tourism relations between Libya and Turkey.
It will be recalled that in March this year, Turkish Airlines launched its first flights to Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport after a hiatus of about 10 years, following the signing of two memoranda of understanding between the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority and Turkish Airlines.