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 07:45am and touched down at 12:15pm, local time.

On board the two class Airbus A330 were UAE Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs Dr 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. Other members of Etihad Airways staff included Senior Vice President Government and Aeropolitical Affairs Khaled Gaith al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President Executive Affairs and Corporate Security Hasan al Hammadi and Vice President UAE Sales Hareb Mubarak al Muhairy.

Prominent UAE businessmen were also on the flight.

Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer 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.”

Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, underlined the significance of the launch of Etihad Airways flights to Tripoli: “This is a further step in the development of the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Libya. Direct flights will contribute profoundly to the development of trade, investment and tourism.

“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.”

UAE Ambassador to Libya Sultan Rashid Al Kaytoub said: “There is no doubt that the new Etihad Airways route between the two Arabian capitals is a result of joint cooperation between the two countries in civil aviation.

“Air transport has become imperative in the rise of economies, therefore the new Etihad Airways route to Libya’s capital Tripoli will open up prospects for more trade, cooperation and investment. It will also enhance tourism between the UAE and Libya.

“We look forward to more partnerships and strategic cooperation, and the to the operation of regular flights between different cities of the UAE and Libya to serve the interests of the two brotherly countries and peoples.”

Dr Aref Ali Nayed, Ambassador of Libya to the United Arab Emirates, said: “The United Arab Emirates has been steadfast in its support for the Libyan people. Since the beginning of the uprising, the UAE has provided humanitarian, diplomatic and political assistance in all critical areas, ranging from medical aid to education.

“It is vital, therefore, that this close cooperation between the two countries is strengthened through the building of robust channels of communication. The inauguration of the first commercial flights by Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Tripoli will enable citizens of both countries to travel, develop commerce and move cargo.

“It represents a new phase of cooperation and mutual support between the two peoples — connecting the gateways of North Africa and the Middle East.” 

Tripoli schedule, effective Tuesday, January 17, 2012: