Egypt’s national carrier has resumed direct flights to Libya’s eastern city of Benghazi on Monday – its first since the conflict began in the neighbouring country 11 years ago.

EgyptAir began flying again from Cairo to Benghazi and is scheduled to operate daily flights on Boeing B737-800, Egyptian media reported.

The move aimed to enhance trade and economic exchange between the two countries, EgyptAir Chairman Amr Abu Elenien said in a statement, especially with the presence of many Egyptians in Libya he said.

Flights from Libya resumed to Cairo in September last year.

The situation in Libya had been a major point of concern for Egypt for many years due to the chaos and instability. It had backed the eastern-based Libyan National Army, headed by warlord Khalifa Haftar.

Libya is gripped in a deepening political crisis and was supposed to hold presidential elections in December.