Etihad Airways has operated its maiden flight from Abu Dhabi to Tripoli, the airline’s first new destination of 2012.

The service, which will operate three times a week, is the only direct commercial flight between the UAE and Libya’s capital city. 

Inaugural flight EY687 departed Abu Dhabi at 07:45 and touched down at 12:15, local time.

On board the two class Airbus A330 were UAE minister of state for federal national C=
council affairs Anwar Gargash, former UAE ambassador to Libya Saeed Obaid al Kaabi, current ambassador Sultan Rashid Al Kaytoub and UAE head of economic affairs Jassim Mohamed Al Qassimi.

Etihad Airways chief operating officer Richard Hill piloted the aircraft.

Prominent UAE businessmen were also on the flight.

Etihad Airways’ chief executive James Hogan said: “We are delighted to launch this service to Tripoli.

“Libya is a beautiful country that over the coming months and years will have much to offer both business and leisure travellers.

“Tripoli is Etihad Airways’ fifth African destination and marks the first time these two Arab capitals have been commercially linked by air.”

His Excellency Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, underlined the significance of the launch of Etihad Airways flights to Tripoli: “The new Libya is taking its rightful place among the prosperous nations of northern Africa and the Mediterranean.

“I have noted with great satisfaction that UAE companies are increasingly turning their attention to Libya for opportunities to cooperate, invest and do business.

“This is a clear sign of the positive future our business community sees for this country. Etihad Airways is a leading example of this.”