Tripoli evacuations to Malta continue

Oil firms proceedings with evacuations of staff in and around Tripoli

A Puma helicopter that evacuated people from Libya last week. Photo by Ray Attard
A Puma helicopter that evacuated people from Libya last week. Photo by Ray Attard

A relief flight will arrive in Malta at 4pm from Mitiga airport today, as more Maltese nationals are yet to be evacuated from Libya.

75 places at a cost of €260 have been offered to Maltese nationals fleeing the scene of worsening clashes around Tripoli.

One Maltese source said that he feared that Islamists in Misurata could make new incursions.

Italian oil and gas giant Eni evacuated 15 members of its Tripoli office by moving them out to the offshore Bouri oilfield and then on to Malta and Italy.

The head of Mellitah Oil & Gas Management Operations, Husain Abu Siliana, said the Eni employees in Tripoli office had left because of the worsening security conditions in and around Tripoli.

Other oil companies, such as Total, have also evacuated staff, by road to Tunisia, as have a number of embassies and international organisations.

Clashes at Janzour, outside Tripoli, have raised on concerns about the safety of the coastal route.

While fighting continues at Tripoli International Airport, the airport at Zuwara is reportedly preparing to take domestic and international flights.

But Zuwara’s use as an alternative for Tripoli International is questioned its runway is 1,800 metres compared with Tripoli’s 3,600 metres. The airport has limited apron and parking space and no refuelling facilities.