Air Algérie suspends its flights to Tripoli (Libya)

The Algerian Airline Company “Air Algérie” has joined other international air carriers in the suspension of its regular flights to Libya’s capital Tripoli on account of the steadily – worsening security situation now besetting the country.

Libya is reportedly going through troubled times synonymous with a civil war – like situation fuelled by antagonistic armed groups on blatant killing sprees.

Air Algerie said that the suspension decision stemmed from the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Libya adding that a halt to all the company’s flights would be on the agenda only after the smooth and safe evacuation of all the Algerian nationals settled in that country.

The speedy evacuation is designed to spare them any harm due to the violence and turmoil which has unfortunately engulfed various parts of Libya over the past few weeks, according to a senior Air Algérie executive.

Other world airline companies including German Airline Lufthansa and the Austrian Airlines have also suspended flights to Libya indefinitely, after a security incident at the Tripoli airport several weeks ago.

The airlines officially announced the suspension.

On 21 March, a bomb reportedly exploded on the tarmac of the airport, resulting in the suspension for more than six hours of all flights.

Alitalia and British Airways have also suspended their respective flights to Libya.

Tripoli international airport is often targeted by armed groups.

News reports say that the security of the airport is controlled by armed groups working for the military council of Zenten – the ex-rebels who refuse to submit to the Libyan authorities.