The business community welcomed the planned resumption of Air Malta flights to Libya.

They believe this will restore the island’s pivotal role as a platform for commercial links between Europe and Africa.

Organisations representing Maltese firms with business interests in Libya said the direct flights to the North African country would allow them to rebuild their ties.

Mario Debono, a businessman who ran a pharmaceutical business in Libya for many years, said he was happy to see that “Air Malta has listened” and decided to resume flights to Libya from the end of November.

Mr Debono, a spokesman for the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises, said: “I still think it could have been done earlier but better now than later on. Malta’s link to Libya is as important as Malta’s link to Brussels.”

Moreover, he said, the flight would benefit Libyans, many of whom wanted to come here on holiday after nine months of stress. The GRTU was willing to help Air Malta with any difficulties it may encounter, he added.

Alitalia, Egyptair and Turkish Airlines are already operating from Tripoli airport while British Airways and Air France have plans to start soon.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry also welcomed Air Malta’s decision to resume flights to Tripoli every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

“This is significant because it is important for Maltese businessmen to have contact with the Libyan community.

“We project ourselves as a platform for business into Europe and vice versa, so we must have a direct air link with the country,” said Kevin Borg, the director general.