A sandstorm has prevented the evacuation of nine Maltese stranded on an oil rig in the Libyan desert, informed sources said today.

The Libyan authorities have given clearance for the private flight, direct from Malta. The request for clearance was made several days ago.

Meanwhile, the sources said the government is making arrangements with hotels and is even preparing to set up tents to temporarily accommodate an influx of foreign workers who are expected to be evacuated from Libya in the coming days.

Apart from evacuations by air, hundreds of workers are expected to be brought to Malta on ships once sea conditions calm down. A Brazilian company on its own will be using Malta as a transit point, has some 3,000 workers in Libya.

Foreign airlines have since Monday operated 41 flights from Tripoli airport to Malta.

Tripoli airport was closed this evening, and a planned Air Malta flight - the third today - had to be cancelled. The sources said it was not clear if the closure was temporary or permanent.

The airport was closed for arrivals for a few hours yesterday to ease congestion of aircraft on the tarmac.

Tripoli airport was closed to all flights this evening and an Air Malta flight therefore had to be cancelled, informed sources said.

The sources said there are 98 Maltese workers in Libya who have been contacted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and who had indicated they wish to return to Malta.

Another 40 workers scattered all over Libya have not been contacted or have said they do not wish to return.

The Foreign Ministry freephone (8007 2203) has so far handled 800 calls involving some 400 Maltese in Libya.