In a ceremonial event on Thursday, the Head of the Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sirraj gave the go-ahead for reconstructing Tripoli International Airport, which has been closed since mid-2014.

"This is a very pivotal step as we wish all Libyan airports to be the crossing gate for Africa, Europe and the rest pf the world." Al-Sirraj said during the ceremony.

An Italian coalition of firms "Aeneas" will be implementing the project which will see the construction of two passengers’ halls of 30.000 square meters that can accommodate 4.5 million travelers a year.

The reconstruction will be done in a period of ten months.

"Flights should be on time and the airliners must be committed to this. Security personnel also have to work for securing people and ensuring their safety." Al-Sirraj added, saying Mitiga Airport will be provided with some services and equipment and it will continue to operate so Tripoli can have two airports.

The Minister of Transportation Miald Matouq said he hopes the work won't take more than 10 months, adding that there will be a reconstruction of an air traffic control tower, power and water stations as well as other things in addition to the two halls and the training of Libyan cadres.

Attending the ceremony was the Italian ambassador to Libya, PC member Mohammed Al-Emmari, PC chief of staff Abdelrahman Al-Taweel and other officials.

The Italian ambassador said this project symbolizes the kick-start of rebuilding in Libya, adding in a tweet that due to the expertise provided by Aeneas, very essential and significant infrastructure will be built to bring about change for better Libyan economy.

 

Economy