Expert: easing of airspace warnings does not mean skies are fully open
LIBYA – Libyan airports expert Osama Al-Farjani has said the International Civil Aviation Organization’s cancellation of warnings relating to Libyan airspace is a positive technical and regulatory sign of reduced risk, but stressed that the return of international flights requires further safety, security and airport-readiness measures to be completed.
Risk classification and the implications of the decision
In exclusive remarks to Sputnik, Al-Farjani said aviation risk assessment is based on multiple levels and classifications, including red and yellow zones, and that lifting the warnings reflects, in his view, improved security for aircraft movements and for the European airspace linked to Libya.
He added that the step carries political, economic and logistical significance and affects citizens first and foremost, arguing that it could allow greater freedom of movement for travellers and for Libyan and European companies, and ease the burden of transit flights and the costs and hardship that come with them.
He argued that the evolution of the risk assessment could strengthen European countries’ view of stability and safety in Libya and be reflected in political relations with them.
Commercial benefits and the movement of goods
Al-Farjani said the economic sector could be among the main beneficiaries of easier overflights, through imports and trade in goods and merchandise between Libya and European countries and the European Union, opening wider prospects for commercial cooperation.
Partial opening and operational procedures
He said Libyan airspace had become partially available to international airlines, in his estimation, rather than fully open, and that the state needs to complete security and safety measures, technical aspects, and ground and logistical services at airports.
He added that he expects operations to resume in phases and on a rising scale, noting that airlines, civil aviation authorities and the competent bodies carry out advance visits and security audits before launching any new air route.
Checking equipment and training security personnel
He explained that inspection committees review safety and security procedures at airports, personal and baggage screening and explosives detection equipment, as well as the level of training of security personnel, the courses they have taken and the date of their last training.
He stressed that these requirements form the basis of decisions on operating air routes in Libya and other countries.
Airlines’ return could take three months or more
Estimating the time needed for international flights to resume, Al-Farjani said completing the procedures is not easy and could take several months, perhaps three months or more.
He stressed the need to give airports special attention, carry out an accurate assessment of their condition and train their staff, especially security personnel, while updating equipment, providing preventive and periodic maintenance and keeping documented records of security procedures to meet the technical and regulatory requirements.
He called for specialists and professional expertise from the various disciplines connected with the airport sector to be involved, so that the conditions needed for international air traffic to Libya to resume can be put in place.
