Libya Skies Still Off-Limits: FAA Ban Extended 3 Years
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Libya flight ban extended to 2028
You cannot operate certain U.S. civil flights in the territory and airspace of Libya from March 19, 2025 until March 20, 2028. The ban covers U.S. air carriers, U.S. commercial operators, most people using FAA airman certificates, and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft (with the limited exceptions listed in the rule).
U.S. government can request FAA approvals
U.S. Government departments or agencies may request FAA approval for specific U.S. civil operations in Libya by submitting a signed letter (normally at least 30 calendar days before the desired start date). Any FAA approval will include conditions and require operators to receive an Operations Specification (OpSpec) or Letter of Authorization (LOA) before they may begin the approved operations.
Approvals and exemptions require indemnity and release
If the FAA approves operations or grants an exemption, operators must provide a written release of the U.S. Government from damages and sign an agreement to indemnify the U.S. Government; operators still may raise claims under applicable non-premium war risk insurance. Exemptions must follow 14 CFR part 11 and include detailed plans, threat information, and risk-minimization procedures.
Codeshare limits affect international tickets
Although the FAA flight prohibition does not apply to foreign air carriers, DOT codeshare rules bar foreign carriers from carrying a U.S. codeshare partner's code on any flight segment that operates in airspace the FAA has prohibited for U.S. civil aviation. This can affect ticketing and routing for passengers using U.S. carriers' codes on foreign-operated segments into or through Libya.
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