Turmoil in Libya sparks relief movement
07 / 03 / 2011
AS NATO discusses a possible military intervention in war-torn Libya, humanitarian and general cargo destined for refugees and businesses alike are landing in neighbouring countries.
On 5 March the Finnish Red Cross dispatched aid consignment to Tunisia consisting of around 100 tonnes of tents, blankets and much needed heating equipment intended for use in a camp temporarily housing people who have fled the unrest in Libya.
The aircraft arrived on 6 March following a stop-over in Palermo, Italy, caused by congestion at Tunis airport.
Nearby Malta is also catching the ripples from Libya’s conflict. Malta International Airport (right) has witnessed higher passenger numbers, and 1,350 tonnes of cargo and mail passed through the airport in February, 2.3 per cent more than the same month in 2010.
On 1 March a chartered Air Partner B747-400 freighter, carrying 91 tonnes of blankets and tents, flew from Dubai to Djerba, and a second flight carrying similar cargo, weighing almost 100 tons, took off from the Middle East on 3 March.
