Al-Shahoubi discusses support for the aviation sector and the return of French companies to Libya with the French Ambassador

Tripoli – September 21, 2026 (LANA) – The Minister of Transportation of the Government of National Unity, Mohamed Al-Shahoubi, discussed today, Monday, with the French Ambassador to Libya, Thierry Vallat, ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the fields of transportation and aviation, and to support the return of French airlines to operate from Libyan airports.

This discussion took place during a meeting held at the Ministry of Transportation headquarters in Tripoli, attended by the Undersecretary for Air Transport Affairs, the Head of the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Director of the Ministry’s International Cooperation Office.

According to the Ministry’s official page, Al-Shahoubi emphasized the importance of developing Libyan-French relations and boosting the participation of French companies in development projects planned by the government, alongside supporting cooperation in the aviation sector.

The Minister called on the French side to support efforts aimed at lifting restrictions imposed on Libyan airlines regarding entry into European airspace, facilitating the return of French airlines to Libyan airports, and establishing training and maintenance centers in Libya.

The meeting also addressed the issue of European visas; Al-Shahoubi highlighted the importance of streamlining visa issuance procedures for Libyan citizens and considering the impact on air traffic between the two countries, while stressing the need to issue visas from within Libya rather than requiring citizens to obtain them from other countries.

For his part, the French Ambassador expressed his country's keenness to strengthen its presence in Tripoli, noting a readiness to hold meetings with civil aviation specialists to conduct necessary assessments and audits, thereby encouraging French airlines to resume operations at Libyan airports. The meeting takes place within the framework of the Ministry of Transportation's efforts to enhance international cooperation in the air transport sector and to create conditions for the return of international airlines to the Libyan market, thereby supporting the reconnection of Libya to the global air transport network.