Libyan Airlines (LN, Tripoli Mitiga) has switched its Benghazi operations from Benghazi Benina to Beida following the closure of the former late last week. Authorities in the eastern Libyan city last week closed Benghazi's airport after military jets and helicopters based there and loyal to former general Khalifa Haftar, were involved in clashes with Islamist factions leaving over 43 dead and 100 wounded.
Quoting the airline's social media, The Libyan Herald says Libyan Airlines will transfer its Benghazi to Amman Queen Alia, Jordan services to Beida until May 25. Some of the flights will transport people wounded in the fighting for medical treatment in Jordan.
Last week, Tunisian carriers Tunisair (TU, Tunis) and Syphax Airlines (Sfax), cancelled their Tripoli International and Benghazi services in response to the deteriorating situation. Only flights to Tripoli have since resumed amid tight security.
Fears the North African petrostate could devolve into a civil war sparked on Sunday when armed militants stormed parliament in southern Tripoli on Sunday. According to the AFP, gunmen set fire to an annex of the parliament building and several cars parked nearby were damaged before the gunmen withdrew towards the airport.
