🇱🇾LibyaNorth Africa
First direct flight from Tripoli lands in Madrid after over a decade
via Libya Herald2 min read
The first direct flight from Tripoli's Mitiga airport to Madrid landed yesterday, marking the resumption of direct air travel between the two cities after more than a decade. The Spanish Ambassador to Libya participated in the celebration event of the Medsky flight in Madrid. The Spanish Embassy stated that this new twice-weekly service will create new opportunities across all areas of their relationship. This flight coincides with the Libyan Spanish Economic Forum being held in Madrid from April 23 to 24. The Spanish Embassy has been fully operational since reopening in June 2021, and has been actively involved in various initiatives, including opening a Schengen visa application center in Tripoli, organizing cultural events, and facilitating economic discussions. Recent collaborations have also included Spanish medical specialists conducting campaigns in Libya, discussions on military industries and air defense, and a joint venture for an aircraft maintenance center at Misrata airport.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Libya Herald.
Suhail Abu Shiha, the Tripoli-based Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade, has issued a decision prohibiting the export and re-export of all types of fish, including molluscs, crustaceans, and coral reefs, whether alive or dead, or their parts, products, or derivatives. This ban, effective for three months, applies to all means of transport, shipping, or transit trade. The Libyan Export Development Authority LEDA stated that the decision aims to regulate Libyan fisheries exports, protect the local market, and ensure self-sufficiency. In conjunction with this, LEDA is implementing strategic projects with Libyan personnel, including establishing a fishing boat factory at Misrata Iron and Steel Company, launching fish farming projects to increase production, and setting up modern packaging lines for fresh seafood to enhance future export opportunities.
The Libyan Export Development Authority LEDA announced that the Indonesian Exporters Association signed a contract to import 200,000 litres of Libyan olive oil. This agreement was reached during the 52nd Tripoli International Fair, held from April 16 to 21. LEDA views this contract as a strategic move to boost national exports. A delegation from the Indonesian Exporters Association had previously visited LEDA's pavilion at the fair, where they observed samples of Libyan olive oil and dates, expressing admiration for their quality. The Association committed to promoting these products in the Indonesian market and agreed to coordinate directly with Libyan exporters. LEDA identifies East Asian markets, including Indonesia, as promising for Libyan agricultural products like olive oil and dates.
The Libyan British Business Council LBBC will host the Libya Energy Forum on May 13, 2026, in London, as part of the Africa Energies Summit 2026. This event, held in association with the National Oil Corporation NOC, will gather senior Libyan leadership, international oil companies, investors, technical partners, and advisers for a day of strategic discussions and networking. The forum aims to integrate Libya’s energy agenda into broader African upstream investment dialogues and provide attendees with direct insight into the NOC's priorities. Masoud Suleiman, Chairman of the NOC, is slated to give the inaugural address, followed by a discussion on Libya’s energy vision and strategic partnerships. Sessions will cover Libya’s energy landscape, upstream gas development, flaring reduction, carbon management, workforce development, and exploration strategies for production growth. Peter Millett, Chairman of the LBBC, highlighted the event as a chance for UK companies to explore opportunities in Libya’s energy sector and connect with key NOC decision-makers. Attendees, including NOC leadership, will participate in both Libya-focused sessions and the wider Africa Energies Summit, fostering engagement with senior decision-makers, investors, and operators from across Africa and the global upstream sector.
Tunisia's Minister of Transport, Rachid Amri, announced that Tunis Air will resume flights to Libya in the coming weeks. The minister also stated that his ministry is working to enhance Sfax-Tina International Airport by granting licenses to new companies, including Transavia and some Libyan companies. Additionally, financial incentives, potentially including near-full exemptions, will be offered to training companies to boost the airport's attractiveness. The announcement was made during a plenary session of the Tunisian parliament.