Libyan Wings launches Istanbul flights on September 21

Libyan Wings (Tripoli Mitiga) has flown its first of two A319-100s 5A-WLA (msn 2878) to Tripoli Mitiga ahead of the planned launch of scheduled services linking the Libyan capital's only operational airport with Istanbul Atatürk from September 21.

Edgardo Badiali, the carrier's CEO, has told the Libya Herald that he hoped the security situation would stay relatively calm for Libyan Wings' launch but the situation has since further deteriorated with Islamic State fighters penetrating Mitiga airport on Friday.

The start-up is reportedly backed by Abdul Hakim Belhaj, the head of the country's Nation Party. 

Libyan Wings plans to add Khartoum and Tunis next.

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