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🛒 تسوق الآنNOC launches probe after Oil Aviation plane mistakenly lands at out-of-service airstrip
NOC launches probe after Oil Aviation plane mistakenly lands at out-of-service airstrip
Committee formed to investigate safety breach at Sarir oil field
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has ordered an immediate investigation after an aircraft operated by Oil Aviation mistakenly landed at an out-of-service airstrip at the Sarir oil field, raising serious questions about aviation safety in Libya's energy sector.
NOC chairman Masoud Suleiman issued directives on Wednesday to form a dedicated committee to probe the incident, which took place on Tuesday. The committee has been tasked with determining the causes and circumstances surrounding the landing error, according to an NOC statement.
Details of the incident
The aircraft, operated by Oil Aviation — the NOC subsidiary responsible for transporting oil sector personnel and equipment — was approaching the Sarir field when it touched down on an airstrip marked as inactive and out of service. No injuries or damage have been reported, but the incident has prompted urgent safety reviews.
Sarir, one of Libya's largest oil fields, is located in the southeastern desert region. The field is operated by the Arabian Gulf Oil Company (AGOCO), an NOC subsidiary, with production capacity exceeding 200,000 barrels per day.
Aviation safety in Libya's oil sector
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining aviation infrastructure across Libya's sprawling oil and gas facilities. Oil Aviation plays a critical role, shuttling workers, equipment, and supplies between dispersed energy installations, many in remote desert areas with limited ground transport options.
Libya's oil sector has operated under difficult conditions for over a decade, with infrastructure suffering from years of conflict, underinvestment, and divided administrative control. Airstrips serving oil fields have at times fallen into disrepair.
Former NOC chairman Mustafa Sanalla had previously raised concerns about the deterioration of oil field infrastructure, including airstrips, warning that safety standards were at risk. The current investigation signals that NOC leadership under Suleiman is taking such risks seriously.
NOC's response and investigation mandate
The investigative committee is expected to examine whether the aircraft received correct approach instructions, whether the airstrip was properly marked as out of service, and whether communication protocols between flight crews and ground control at Sarir were followed.
"The NOC emphasizes its commitment to the highest safety standards across all its operations and subsidiaries," the corporation said. "Any lapse in procedure will be identified and addressed with the appropriate measures."
The NOC has not specified a timeline for the committee's findings but indicated that preliminary results will be submitted to the chairman's office in the coming days.
Broader implications for Libya's energy sector
Safety incidents in Libya's oil sector carry particular weight given the industry's central role in the country's economy. Oil accounts for the vast majority of Libya's export revenues and government income, and any disruption can have significant financial consequences.
The incident comes at a time when Libya's oil production has been relatively stable, hovering around 1.2 million barrels per day. Maintaining operational integrity across the sector's infrastructure — including transport and logistics — is essential to sustaining those levels.
Aviation experts note that landing at an out-of-service airstrip represents a serious procedural failure that could have resulted in catastrophic consequences had the runway been damaged. The NOC's swift response signals an awareness of the stakes involved.
Oil Aviation's role and responsibilities
Oil Aviation operates a fleet that includes Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft and turboprop models suited for short-field operations common at desert oil strip runways. The company provides critical logistics support, transporting personnel, medical evacuation patients, and priority cargo across Libya's vast territory.
The subsidiary has operated for decades under various management structures, facing challenges related to maintenance, training, and oversight like much of Libya's state-owned enterprise ecosystem. This incident is likely to accelerate calls for more rigorous oversight of the company's operations.
The NOC has stated that further updates will be provided as the committee's work progresses, and that all necessary resources will be allocated to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry.
— Libya Press / Economy Desk
