Airport opens after 3 year closure скачать в хорошем качестве

Airport opens after 3 year closure

(16 Jul 2017) LEAD IN: Residents of Benghazi are celebrating the re-opening of their international airport, which was destroyed by extremists three years ago. STORYLINE Benghazi, Libya's second city, officially has an international airport once again. Benina International Airport, the city's main airport has been re-opened by the Libyan authorities after the army succeeded in defeating the extremist militias that destroyed the airport and took it out of service three years ago. However, the airport still lacks some vital services, as its director, Abdullah Al-Shafei, admits: "We still lack explosives detection equipment which we wanted at the external gate; God willing they will be available in the next period. There's also a shortage of some navigation equipment. Also we want some additional fire trucks," he says. He thinks that on the biggest issue - safety - the airport is secure: "We are optimistic concerning the security services, there is a security presence and they are keen for their work. As well as the management of the airport and the carrier companies, we are only in need of some organisation at the beginning." "We promised ourselves that we will provide all services needed with the highest potential for all travellers from Benghazi or any other city," adds Abdelati Al-Shiekhi, the head of Ground Services. The opening of the international airport makes it easier now for the people of Benghazi to travel, as in order to fly abroad they had to make the 450 kilometre (279 miles) journey to Tobruk. Some of the first airport passengers are jubilant at the re-opening: "Firstly, we feel good, thanks to God that Benghazi was liberated and for the liberation of Benina airport, many people have sacrificed and stood together," explains local traveller Radhi Al-Gazwi. "God bless the army and police. If not for the army this couldn't be possible, and all this is for the support of all Libya and Benghazi in particular." "This is the best day of my whole life," claims Bothaina Mostafa. "Even though I am an Egyptian, but I have been here since 1973, thanks to God and may God bless the rest of the country." Three local airlines, Afriqyah Airways, Libyan Airlines and Air Libya, will resume their flights from the airport. The first three flights went to Amman in Jordan, Kufra in the south of Libya, and Tripoli in the west of the country. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...