TRIPOLI, Libya, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The governments of Tunisia and Egypt have decided to restrict flights to and from Libya in an apparent response to the deteriorating security situation in Libya.
The Libya Herald struck down rumors that Libyan airspace was closed and asserted that media reports about Tunisian and Egyptian officials canceling all flights into and out of Libya were incorrect.
In place of a flight ban, it seems the governments have taken a more nuanced approach that permits flights from Libyan airports that are still under government control.
Violence between depleted government forces and Islamist militant gangs has escalated in Libya over the past month. Government forces are attempting to regain control of towns seized by militants.
Libyan flights originating from Mitiga, Misrata and Sirte -- airports not controlled by the government -- are banned from entering Tunisian airspace. Flights from areas in government control, such as Al-Beida's Labrak and Tobruk airports, may still enter Tunisia.
Egypt has decided that no Libyan flights can service Cairo airport but that Libyan flights may instead land at Alexandria's airport.
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