Thread by @Gerjon_

Airlines use a callsign/flight number (e.g. to tell ATC who they are).

I found 148* flights NOT using a flight number from/to 🇱🇾#Libya over 2020, using their reg. as callsign (e.g. 5ALAQ) instead. (THREAD 1/4)

*Libyan Airlines, Libyan Wings and Afriqiyah Airways, excl. 5A-POL

A follower with a history working at Tripoli Mitiga Int'l noticed that Libyan Airlines 5A-LAQ was spotted with a Gulf Pearl Aviation Services support truck attached. This is apparently uncommon: Libyan Airlines has their own ground facilities at Tripoli. (2/4)

These two issues combined raise suspicion. Further research and clarification is needed:

- Why are they sometimes not using their regular callsign/flight number?
- Who operates these flights, and what do they carry?
- Why does a different company handle them on ground? (3/4)

My source suspects that these are flights involving the movement of fighters and ammunition from 🇹🇷#Turkey to 🇱🇾#Libya.

I am curious about thoughts of others, too.

Aircraft considered: 5A-LAP, 5A-LAQ, 5A-LAR, 5A-LAT, 5A-ONA, 5A-ONB, 5A-ONJ, 5A-ONO, 5A-WLB, 5A-WLC, 5A-WLD (4/4)

Upon request: the origins and destinations of these flights. The vast majority is to/from Istanbul (IST).

The unknowns are mainly related to varying ADS-B coverage around Libya and sometimes related to a mid-air callsign change.