An Air Malta Captain who yesterday piloted a flight to Tripoli has described frantic efforts by passengers to get onto aircraft.

Capt Philip Apap Bologna said he had volunteered for yesterday's scheduled flight and he was satisfied that Air Malta was able to perform its social duty.

He said that the flight and apron operations for the aircraft were pretty normal, but the situation inside the terminal building was chaotic.

Thousands of people had gathered at the airport, and security officers, in an effort to avoid dangerous overcrowding, were only allowing in those persons who actually held airline tickets.

The captain said he and his crew went into the terminal building to help would-be passengers get tickets and access to the building.

The situation, he said, was not unexpected. He had expected a six hour delay on the tarmac and the crew therefore took extra provisions on board. A loader also accompanied them because many Libyan ground handling staff had not turned up.

As expected, the flight was delayed. When, eventually, the plane started moving, they were informed that another three passengers had turned up and he decided to return to pick them up, once seats were still available.

"It was the most obvious thing to do" the Captain said.

He insisted that although the crew were anxious, the security of the aircraft was never at risk.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech thanked the captain, the crew and the company for their service, saying the crew had done more than their call of duty.

Other airlines, Mr Fenech said, had suspended services but Air Malta had kept its own operations going.

Air Malta was in the evening also thanked by Labour spokesman Gavin Gulia.