EgyptAir suspends flights to Libya's Tripoli as clashes resume

State-owned carrier EgyptAir has suspended flights between Cairo and Tripoli, citing the need to wait for calm to return to the Libyan capital, where fresh clashes have erupted between rival armed groups despite government claims that fighting had ended.

The renewed violence comes amid growing alarm in the region, with Egypt's foreign ministry launching urgent diplomatic outreach to Libyan factions and their representatives in Cairo to prevent further escalation and maintain a fragile calm that risks total collapse.

Gunbattles broke out again on Wednesday between the Radaa Force and the 444 Brigade in several key areas of Tripoli, including the port, according to a Libyan security official. Heavy and medium weapons were used in some neighbourhoods, while "urban warfare" raged in residential zones, prompting fears for civilians.

Just a day earlier, the Tripoli-based government led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah had declared the fighting over and announced a string of executive orders, including the dissolution of Radaa. Authorities also said they were moving to dismantle other groups operating outside the formal security structure.

The renewed violence follows Monday night's heavy clashes that left at least six people dead and reportedly included the killing of Abdelghani al-Kikli, leader of the Support and Stability Apparatus. Fighting has since spread to southern and western Tripoli, with reinforcements reportedly arriving from Zawiya to support Radaa forces.

The 444 Brigade, aligned with Dbeibah, controls much of southern Tripoli, while Radaa holds areas in the east of the capital and key state facilities.

The United Nations Mission in Libya expressed deep concern over the violence, calling for “an immediate, unconditional ceasefire” and the establishment of safe corridors to allow civilians to evacuate conflict zones.

In Cairo, diplomatic efforts are intensifying. Sources told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the Arabic-language site of The New Arab, that Egypt’s Libya Follow-up Committee, which includes representatives from sovereign bodies, was delivering real-time field and political reports to senior decision-makers. These updates cover developments in both eastern and western Libya.

According to the sources, Egypt maintains "an accurate and up-to-date picture" of the situation through ongoing coordination with Libyan actors and key regional stakeholders, particularly Turkey. A recent phone call between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan focused on the Libyan crisis, ways to prevent further escalation, and other regional issues including Gaza.

Egypt has reiterated its support for a political solution in Libya and its rejection of any military path. It has called for the preservation of Libya’s institutional unity and the advancement of the electoral process to restore legitimacy and bring an end to militia rule.

In a statement, Egypt’s foreign ministry voiced "deep concern" over the renewed violence in Tripoli, urging all Libyan parties to prioritise national interest and avoid further descent into chaos. The ministry stressed the importance of dialogue to protect what remains of the Libyan state and prevent the total collapse of its institutions.