Turkish Airlines has resumed its flights to Libya after a 10-year hiatus due to security concerns, reports Al Wasat.

The first aircraft landed at the Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli. The Minister of Transport of the Government of National Unity of Libya, Muhammad ash-Shahubi, speaking at the ceremony on this occasion, stated that the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights is “an encouraging step for other international airlines.”

According to Al Wasat, the Turkish company also intends to resume flights to other Libyan cities such as Misrata and Benghazi.

In January, Libyan authorities announced that following an international audit, a decision was made that Libya is ready to accept flights from European countries. It was reported that the flight ban will likely be lifted in April. Italy lifted the ban on Libyan aircraft flights that had been in place for the past 10 years back in September of last year.