Gatwick Airport has welcomed Afriqiyah Airways back as it resumes its’ three times a week service to Tripoli in Libya, following political unrest in the country.

The three times a week service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing from Gatwick at 12:30.

The flight will arrive in Tripoli at 17:00 with the returning flight leaving Tripoli at 08:30 and landing at Gatwick at 11:00.

Matthew Wood, head of airline relations at Gatwick Airport said: “We are delighted to welcome Afriqiyah Airways and its passengers back to Gatwick today and working together again to provide what we expect will be a popular route.”

The Airbus A320 aircraft is able to fly 160 passengers direct between the two cities.

Khaled Lazumi, general manager for Afriqiyah Airways in the UK, said: “I am very pleased that this day has finally come.

“It has been a very difficult year for us all but this day marks the dawn of a new relationship between the new Free Libya and the UK.

“I am very proud of my team who have worked hard to make this happen in this period of uncertainty.

“We would like to thank Gatwick Airport and our business partners for their unwavering support.

“Similarly our travel agents and friends in the British travel industry have also supported us well and we look forward to renewing this relationship and we look forward to a prosperous future for both our countries.”