Buraq Air is a privately owned Libyan airline based at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, operating scheduled regional flights and select charter services across North Africa and the Middle East.
If you’re flying domestically or internationally, you can search and book Buraq Air flights with Alternative Airlines using flexible payment options in your preferred currency.
Founded on 22 October 2000, Buraq Air began operations in November 2001 as Libya’s first private airline. The name is inspired by the mythical buraq creature from Islamic tradition.
After a temporary suspension during the 2011 Libyan conflict and NATO no‑fly zone, the airline resumed services and has steadily rebuilt its network and fleet.
Buraq Air operates a focused network of regional and domestic routes, connecting key cities within Libya and nearby international hubs. The airline's main base is Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, where all flights are currently operated from, as Tripoli International Airport remains closed.
Buraq Air plays a key role in maintaining connectivity across Libya. Its domestic services operate between major population centres, government hubs and oil industry locations. Current domestic routes include:
These routes help connect western, eastern and southern regions of Libya, supporting both passenger travel and logistical demand.
Buraq Air also operates limited international services, offering direct flights between Libya and neighbouring countries:
The route to Istanbul is especially popular, providing a key international gateway for Libyan travellers. Flights to Tunis offer a short-haul option for medical, business and transit travel.
In addition to its scheduled network, Buraq Air occasionally operates seasonal and charter services. These may include flights to Mediterranean destinations such as Antalya or Bodrum during peak travel periods. The airline also offers charters in support of Libya’s energy and construction sectors, including dedicated cargo and passenger operations.
Booking Buraq Air flights through Alternative Airlines gives you:
While Buraq Air may not offer the premium experience of a global airline, booking through Alternative Airlines gives you the peace of mind that someone’s in your corner, whether you’re flying for business, family, or a last-minute emergency.
When flying with Buraq Air, your baggage allowance depends on the route, ticket type and passenger category (adult, child or infant). Here's everything you need to know about what you can take on board.
All passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage with the following restrictions:
The carry-on item must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Passengers should avoid carrying sharp objects, liquids over 100ml or other restricted items in their cabin bag.
Buraq Air offers a generous checked baggage allowance compared to many regional airlines.
Each piece of checked baggage must not exceed total dimensions of 157cm (length + width + height). Oversized or overweight items may be accepted for an additional fee, subject to space and aircraft limits.
If you need to carry more than your allowance, excess baggage fees apply. Charges may vary depending on the departure airport and destination. It’s usually more affordable to pre-pay for extra baggage when booking or managing your flight, rather than at the airport.
You can contact Alternative Airlines Customer Service after booking to add more baggage or get help with your baggage options.
Passengers travelling with sports equipment, musical instruments or fragile items should contact Buraq Air in advance. In most cases, these items can be checked in as part of your overall weight allowance, but additional protection or pre-approval may be needed.
Buraq Air offers check-in at the airport for all flights. Passengers are advised to arrive early to complete check-in formalities, drop off baggage and pass through security without delays.
Check-in counters generally open 2 hours before departure and close 30-40 minutes before take-off. Closing times may vary depending on the airport and route, so it’s best to check in as early as possible.
Buraq Air offers online check-in through its website and mobile app, making it easier to:
Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure. However, availability can vary depending on the route and departure airport.
To check in successfully, make sure you have:
Failing to bring the correct documents could result in denied boarding.
After check-in, you’ll receive your boarding pass with gate details and boarding time. Buraq Air typically begins boarding 30-40 minutes before departure. Be at the gate early, as boarding may close 15 minutes before take-off.
Buraq Air currently operates flights using a single-class cabin configuration, focused on providing a comfortable and straightforward economy experience.
Buraq Air’s Economy Class is designed for short- to medium-haul travel and offers:
The airline’s newer aircraft, including its Embraer E190 used for domestic routes, offer a modern cabin interior with updated seating and improved passenger comfort.
If Buraq Air doesn’t operate on your preferred route, or you're looking for different cabin options or international connections, there are several other airlines to consider when flying to, from, or within Libya.
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Buraq Air’s primary hub is Mitiga International Airport (MJI), located just east of central Tripoli. This is the airline’s operational base for all domestic and international flights.
Mitiga has served as the main airport for Tripoli since Tripoli International Airport was severely damaged and closed during conflict in 2014. Today, it handles most of the city’s commercial air traffic, especially for Libyan carriers like Buraq Air.
While Mitiga is smaller than other regional hubs, it offers:
Infrastructure and services may be more basic than in larger international airports, so passengers are encouraged to arrive early, especially when travelling internationally or with checked baggage.
Buraq Air operates a small but growing fleet designed for short- and medium-haul travel across Libya and neighbouring regions. The fleet includes a mix of Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft, with recent additions supporting the airline’s modernisation strategy.
This mix of aircraft allows Buraq Air to operate efficiently across both short domestic routes and longer regional sectors, offering flexibility and reliability.
In November 2025, Buraq Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to purchase 10 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. This marks the airline’s first direct aircraft order and signals a commitment to:
The A320neo aircraft will support the airline’s medium-term growth strategy, with deliveries expected over the coming years.