Air Malta has so far been denied permission by the Tripoli airport authorities to operate an extra five charter flights to the Libyan capital to evacuate foreign workers.

Informed sources said the flights had been chartered by private companies to get their workers out of the North African country, which is in turmoil.

However Air Malta, as well as all other airlines, have been refused permission to operate extra flights. A fresh attempt will be made tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Air Malta's scheduled flight from the Libyan capital has left Tripoli after having been delayed by some 90 minutes, apparently because of strained ground handling resources at Tripoli airport, with many workers not turning up.

The EU is meanwhile drafting a plan for the evacuation of all European nationals, if required. Foreign Ministers are currently meeting in Brussels where the situation in Libya is dominating proceedings.

Austria has already sent a military aircraft to Malta in readiness to evacuate its citizens.

It is understood that Germany intends to send at least one aircraft to Malta later today. A big Russian cargo aircraft is also due.

In Libya, gunfire was heard in Tripoli this morning, state TV offices were ransacked and some banks were looted.

Protesters have also claimed to have taken over the second city of Benghazi and there are gunbattles in other towns.