Mitiga International Airport serves as the main commercial gateway to Tripoli, Libya, operating from what was historically a military airbase. Originally built as a United States Air Force installation known as Wheelus Air Base, the facility was taken over by Libya following the 1969 revolution led by Muammar Gaddafi and the subsequent withdrawal of American forces. The airport has long operated in a challenging environment, frequently disrupted by the political instability and armed conflict that has plagued Libya since the 2011 civil war. Tripoli International Airport, the country's previous primary hub, suffered severe damage during fighting and was effectively closed, pushing Mitiga into its current primary commercial role. Despite its status as the busiest operational airport in Libya, Mitiga continues to face intermittent closures due to security incidents and occasional rocket or drone attacks. It handles a limited number of regional and international routes, primarily connecting Tripoli to destinations in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.