A private plane belonging to Libya’s late leader Muammar Gaddafi has arrived in Tripoli the capital city of the North African country after nearly a decade in France.
The plane was reportedly left in Europe for safekeeping and maintenance.
In a video clip which was sighed by Africa Daily News, New York, the giant plane, an Airbus A340, flew over the skies of Tripoli before landing at Mitiga International Airport near the capital city.
Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who was at the airport to see the plane arrive the previous evening explained that the plane’s maintenance and other procedures had been completed, with the interim government paying all the needed costs for its return to Libya.
Read Also: Whatever Happens In Libya Affects Nigeria – Buhari
Mr. Dbeibah went further to reveal that of the remaining 14 jets, 12 were scheduled to fly back to Libya, while the government was working on the return from abroad of the two outstanding ones.
According to Al Arabiya, Gaddafi’s jet, also known as the ‘Flying Palace’, flew at low altitude over Tripoli’s historical landmarks and circled the area before touching down.
Speaking to journalists about the plane, Mr Dbeibah said ‘the Libyan people are the ones who will decide its fate’ and whether it would be used by the authorities or for other, public purposes, according to Al Arabiya.
He noted that the famous plane’s return to the country was a “positive step for Libya, its security and wealth”, the channel said.
The luxurious plane, described by some as ‘the Airbus with the [James] Bond villain interior’, has attracted the attention of international media over the past years.
Gaddafi – who led Libya for six decades – and who was known as an eccentric figure who appeared on the world’s stage in his own unique style, was killed in his hometown of Sirte in October 2011 during hostilities triggered following a popular rebellion in February the same year.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
