Emirates airlines suspends flights to Libyan capital

Emirates airlines suspends flights to Libyan capital

Emirates would update passengers on its Tripoli flights after Feb 25.

February 22, 2011 1:38 by Reuters

Emirates airline has suspended flights to the Libyan capital Tripoli with immediate effect, citing the violence in the North African country.

Emirates, one of the Arab world’s largest carriers, also flies to the Libyan city of Benghazi where runways have been destroyed, according to Egypt’s foreign minister on Tuesday.

“Due to the continuing unrest in Libya, flights will no longer go via Tripoli until further notice,” the carrier said in a statement.

“Emirates will operate some flights direct to Tunisia, others will be cancelled. Passengers will not be accepted for flights into Tripoli from any airport until further notice.”

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s forces have cracked down on demonstrators, with fighting now spreading to Tripoli after erupting in Libya’s oil-producing east last week. Human Rights Watch says at least 233 people have been killed.

Emirates said that it would update passengers on its Tripoli flights after Feb 25.

(Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Amran Abocar)