UPDATE - Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Libya

UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES

By Gokhan Yilmaz, Muhammed Semiz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish Airlines Thursday resumed flights to the Libyan capital Tripoli.

The first flight to Mitiga International Airport saw the participation of General Manager Bilal Eksi, according to the company.

Eksi expressed happiness about the resumption of flights at a ceremony.

"As Turkish Airlines, we feel the excitement of connecting continents, this time in Tripoli, the capital of Libya,” he said. "We are happy to have resumed flights to Libya, with which we have historical ties."

With the developing market and increasing demands, Türkiye's flag carrier will continue to bring cultures together in Africa as well as other continents, said Eksi.

He noted that the company believes the importance of tourism and trade will increase on the African continent in the medium and long term with developing and changing industrial investments.

- Special fares for opening

Turkish Airlines guests will be able to travel from Istanbul to Tripoli starting from $379 and from Tripoli to Istanbul from $299 between March 28 and May 31 on tickets purchased between March 23 and May 15.

The flag carrier will operate flights to Tripoli on the Boeing B737-78D type aircraft three days a week -- Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Libyan Transport Minister Mohammed Al-Shhoubi thanked the Turkish government for its efforts to resume Turkish Airlines' flights to Libya.

"Turkish Airlines' first flight to Mitiga International Airport presents an assurance for all international organizations in civil aviation, and it is a sign of stability for Libya," he said.

He also wished that Turkish Airlines would start flights to other airports in Libya as well.

Kenan Yilmaz, the Turkish ambassador to Libya, said that Turkish Airlines' first flight to Mitiga International Airport is a “historic milestone” for the two countries' relations.

He said that Turkish Airlines is planning to start flights to Benghazi and Misrata in the future as well.

Yilmaz said the two countries are determined to improve their bilateral relations in all areas.

*Writing by Gokhan Ergocun, Ovunc Kutlu