in effect
This is a final rule from the Federal Aviation Administration (part of the U.S. Department of Transportation). It extends an existing ban, called SFAR No. 112, on certain U.S. flights in the territory and airspace of Libya. The FAA issued it directly, without a public comment period, citing safety risks it says come partly from information that is not public.
The rule pushes back the ban’s expiration date by three years, from March 20, 2025 to March 20, 2028; it took effect March 19, 2025. The underlying prohibition itself is unchanged — U.S. flights are still barred at all altitudes over Libya. The FAA says the extension reflects continuing risks from Libya’s political and security instability, armed factions, and anti-aircraft weapons, and that a three-year window gives time to watch for lasting change. The rule also restates two existing ways to seek relief: U.S. government agencies can ask the FAA (in a signed letter, normally at least 30 days ahead) to approve specific flights, and others can file a petition for exemption under 14 CFR part 11. Approvals and exemptions require the operator to sign a liability release and agree to indemnify the U.S. government.
The ban applies to U.S. air carriers, U.S. commercial operators, FAA-certificated airmen, and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft — with an exception when the person or operator is flying for a foreign air carrier. In practice, these operators cannot fly in Libyan airspace unless the FAA grants an approval or exemption, which may add fuel and time costs from rerouting. U.S. government agencies that need U.S. civil aircraft for missions in Libya are affected through the approval process described in the rule.