New Turkish flight to Libya via Balkan route

A Turkish Air Force Airbus A400M (reg. 15-0051, c/s TUAF827) is flying from Libya (Al-Watiya AB) to Turkey.

The aircraft completed the same route but in the opposite direction earlier this morning. It’s interesting to note that for several months now, Turkish aircraft bound for Libya have been following a route that takes them north of Greece instead of the old route that led them over the eastern Mediterranean, passing south of Crete.

The reasons behind choosing the new route are unknown. However, it is worth emphasizing that Greek airspace continues to be off-limits to Turkish military flights bound for Libya (and beyond).