Airlines

Discover the History and Legacy of Air Libya Tibesti - Libya's National Airline Since 1965





Libya has a long history as a nation of aviation enthusiasts, and Air Libya Tibesti is a major part of that history. Founded in 1965, Air Libya Tibesti is the national carrier of Libya, and one of the oldest airlines in the world. It is owned by the Government of Libya and operates out of its hub at Tripoli International Airport.

Air Libya Tibesti began operations with a single Douglas DC-3, and gradually expanded its fleet over the years. It now operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including Airbus A319s and A320s, Boeing 767s, and McDonnell Douglas MD-11s. The airline also operates a number of smaller turboprops, including the ATR-42 and the DHC-6 Twin Otter.

Air Libya Tibesti has been involved in a number of important milestones in aviation history. One of the most notable achievements was the launch of the first international route from Libya to Egypt in 1975. This route is still in operation today, carrying passengers between the two countries.

In the 1980s, Air Libya Tibesti was the first airline to introduce a fully automated flight reservation system in the region. This system allowed passengers to book flights online and make payments using their credit cards. This is now a standard feature in the airline industry.





In the 1990s, Air Libya Tibesti was one of the first airlines in the region to introduce a frequent flyer program. This program allowed passengers to accumulate points, which could then be used to purchase discounted tickets or other rewards. This program was extremely successful and has since been adopted by many other airlines.

In the 2000s, Air Libya Tibesti was the first airline in the region to introduce a web-based ticket booking system. This system allowed passengers to book their tickets online, and has since become a standard feature in the industry.

Air Libya Tibesti has unfortunately also been involved in a number of air disasters over the years. In 1970, one of its planes crashed near Benghazi, killing all 157 passengers and crew onboard. In 1979, another of its planes crashed near Tobruk, killing all 78 passengers and crew onboard. In 2010, a plane belonging to the airline crashed near Tripoli, killing all 103 passengers and crew onboard.

In 2011, the airline was also the subject of a federal investigation. The US Department of State had received reports that the airline was operating flights to Syria in violation of US sanctions. After a lengthy investigation, the airline was cleared of any wrongdoing.





Today, Air Libya Tibesti continues to be the national carrier of Libya. It operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes, and is a major player in the Libyan aviation industry. Despite its checkered past, it continues to provide safe and reliable air travel to millions of passengers each year.