The number of commercial ships passing through eight Libyan ports in the first quarter of the year was 60% higher than the same period in 2012.

The state-owned carrier reports that around 69% of its passenger traffic was on international flights, with Tripoli accounting for more than half of total volumes.

The state-owned carrier, which is still subject to EU restrictions, is wet-leasing an Airbus plane to operate certain routes.

A Libyan-owned crude oil tanker was reportedly seized recently by the Greek authorities.

The Special Forces unit of the Libyan army has been ordered to secure Benina International Airport, which serves Libya’s second city.

The extra space aims to ease congestion at the airport, which is the largest in southern Libya.

A recent decision has appointed a deputy minister with specific responsibility for eastern Libya.

On 1 September the Dubai-based airline flew its first passenger service to Libya since February 2011, and will operate the route three times per week.

The carrier has denied reports that one of its aircraft was seized by armed groups at Tripoli airport on 2 September.

Tripoli International Airport is set to be closed briefly on 4-5 September to allow runway maintenance work to be carried out.

Tripoli International Airport was closed for several hours on 2 September, with conflicting reports over what caused the disruption.

The privately-owned airline has leased an Antonov aircraft to operate cargo flights between Tripoli and a number of domestic airfields in Libya.

Armed men who boarded the Etel over a dispute involving car imports are reported to have left the vessel after around six weeks of holding its crew captive.

The Egypt-based car distributor launched its first commercial operations in Libya this month, and expects "positive results".

The Ports and Maritime Authority has asked individual ports to provide more information on oil products being exported.