Libya’s Benina international airport expansions nearly complete

The development of Benina International Airport in Benghazi is nearing completion, according to Libya’s Development and Reconstruction Fund, as work continues to modernise one of the country’s most important air transport facilities, as reported by Libya Review on July 13th. 

The fund said the project is aiming to improve services for both passengers and airlines while increasing the operational capacity of the airport. The current work is being carried out under the direct supervision of the fund’s Director General, Belgasem Haftar, as part of broader reconstruction and development efforts across Benghazi. Several service buildings at Benina International Airport have been completed, including the airport police centre, the administrative building and the crucial aircraft refuelling facility. The current construction of the international terminal has reached 99% and the domestic terminal is 55% complete. The air traffic control tower is sitting at 25% but is a recent addition. The fund added that work is continuing to expand the airport’s runway and parking areas designated for the aircrafts. The upgrades come as part of a comprehensive plan to increase the readiness of the airport, improve safety, and accommodate for a greater number of flights. 

In recent months Libya has been working to strengthen the country’s aviation field through one of its quieter but more practical channels of cooperation with Italy after the Civil Aviation Authority approved Ansett Aviation Italia as a training provider for Libyan aviation personnel. The development directly involves Ansett Aviation Italia, a Milan based flight simulator training centre that has now been approved to train Libyan personnel through its Approved Training Organization and its AVRO full flight simulator. The Ansett decision is not an isolated administrative act but it forms part of a greater effort directed at using technical partnerships to restore the skills base, training standards, and the operational credibility of Libyan aviation. 

Benina International Airport serves Benghazi and much of eastern Libya. The completion of the development project is expected to strengthen domestic and international air connections and support economic activity in the region.

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org.