Libya's Tripoli-based government is working with Boeing on plans to establish a new national airline, despite the severe operational difficulties facing the country's two existing state-owned carriers, Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways.
Officials held a virtual meeting with Boeing representatives on November 12 to discuss the proposed airline's route network, passenger demand, fleet requirements and aircraft types. The talks also covered the creation of an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center that could eventually serve customers outside Libya.
The project is being coordinated by Mustafa Al-Mana, head of the executive team responsible for strategic projects under Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Boeing Global Services is providing expertise in fleet and network planning, operational preparation and aircraft entry into service.
According to the Libya Herald, the government has not disclosed the proposed carrier's name, initial fleet size or expected launch date. It has also provided no clear explanation of what would happen to Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways if another state-owned airline enters the market.
Existing state airlines have almost no aircraft flying
According to fleet information published by Planespotters.net, Afriqiyah Airways has eight aircraft on its books, but none are currently classified as in service. Its fleet consists of five Airbus A320s, one A319 and two A330-300 widebody aircraft, all listed as parked or undergoing maintenance.
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The airline reportedly suspended commercial operations in June 2026 after its last serviceable A320 stopped flying. Although Afriqiyah subsequently disputed reports of a complete shutdown and announced efforts to resume services, its aircraft availability remains severely constrained.
A November 10 report by Inside Aviation News also described allegations from employees concerning unpaid salaries, aircraft maintenance spending and the leasing of engines to another airline. The allegations have not been independently established.
Libyan Airlines is in a somewhat better position, although its operational fleet is also extremely limited. Planespotters.net identifies only one active aircraft, an Airbus A320 registered 5A-LAH. Two other A320s and two Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets are listed as parked.
The airline has been attempting to restore additional aircraft to service. In September, a second A320 was undergoing preparations to return after an extended period of maintenance in Tunisia.
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Of the 13 aircraft listed across the two state airlines, only one is currently classified as active. Fleet databases may not capture every operational change immediately, but the figures illustrate the limited aircraft availability affecting both carriers.
Libya's fragmented aviation market
Libya has struggled to rebuild its aviation industry since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Years of armed conflict, political fragmentation and damage to airport infrastructure have disrupted domestic and international air services.
The country remains divided between the internationally recognized government in Tripoli and rival authorities controlling much of eastern Libya. Private airlines have nevertheless expanded their presence, including Benghazi-based Berniq Airways, which placed a firm order for six Airbus A320neo-family jets in July 2024.
Buraq Air signed a memorandum of understanding for ten A320neo-family aircraft in 2025. Another project, Libyan United Airlines, is also under development as a private carrier. The Libya Herald issued a correction in November after incorrectly identifying it as the airline being planned by the Tripoli government.
Discussions between Boeing and Libyan officials have continued since 2025, covering feasibility studies, financing, staff training and aircraft requirements. The proposed maintenance center would train local engineers and technicians, reduce dependence on overseas facilities and potentially attract international customers.
No aircraft purchase agreement has been announced in connection with the new state airline. Boeing's involvement through its services and consulting divisions does not establish that the carrier will operate Boeing aircraft.
