A group of 16 Maltese who work in Libya arrived on a relief flight from Mitiga airport in the wake of an escalation of violence in the country. They were joined by workers from other countries, who also chose to leave the country.

The flight, on a Petro Air aircraft, was organised by the Maltese government through Malta-based Medavia.

The workers, who opted to leave Libya because of the worsening situation there, said they were not in the thick of things but could hear bombs exploding.

They said the situation was risky for them so they decided to come back to Malta for safety. However, almost all said they would return to Libya once the situation there improved.