As evacuation of Indians from Libya gained momentum, government today said it had sought aircraft landing rights in Sehba in interior Libya where over 1000 Indians have been stranded as anti-government protesters took control of several cities in the oil-rich nation. Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters in new Delhi that the authorities have to rely only on evacuation by aircraft in Libya as the country does not have a rail network and travel by road is not considered to be safe. She added that India is not facing any problems from Libyan authorities in the massive evacuation operation of about 18,000 of its nationals launched last week.The foreign secretary said India has got permission for operating four flights from Tripoli as the Libyan authorities were granting clearance for air evacuation in stages.Ms Rao said she is aware that people were finding it difficult to reach the port city of Benghazi due to security conditions in Libya and government is also in touch with private companies who have a large number of Indian nationals working for them. AIR correspondent reports that Two special Air India flights – AI 800 and AI 171 are likely to ferry back around 600 passengers from Tripoli. Up to 3000 Indian nationals, including 400 who have travelled from Al Kufrah by road, will be evacuated by Scotia Prince and La Superba, the chartered passengers ships.
News On AIR | February 28, 2011 7:31 PM
India seeks aircraft landing rights in interior Libya