FAA Prolongs US Flight Ban Over Risky Libyan Airspace
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for U.S. airlines, pilots, and aircraft operators for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This keeps everyone safe from ongoing risks in Libyan airspace. The rules and how to get special permission if needed are also refreshed and republished.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Libya flight ban extended through 2028
If you are a U.S. air carrier, U.S. commercial operator, pilot holding an FAA airman certificate, or an operator of a U.S.-registered civil aircraft, certain flight operations in the territory and airspace of Libya are prohibited from March 20, 2025 through March 20, 2028. The FAA says the extension is necessary due to continuing risks and it republished the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) approval and exemption process for those who may seek special permission.
Specified exemptions remain applicable
The prohibition does not apply to persons exercising FAA airman privileges when they are operating U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier, and it does not apply to operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft when the operator is a foreign air carrier. These exceptions remain in effect during the March 20, 2025 to March 20, 2028 extension.
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