Operators suspend services in Libya

Political unrest in Libya has prompted international express carriers to suspend operations in the country. Aramex, FedEx, TNT and DHL have all halted services as protests continue.

For the past week, anti-government protesters have been campaigning for the removal of leader Muammar Gaddafi – who has been in power for 42 years.

The protesters have been met by violent resistance from pro-Gaddafi supporters – with reports suggesting thousands could have been killed, as the bitter feud continues.

An Aramex statement said: “We have suspended all of our operations in Libya, due to a deteriorating security situation. We are doing our best to mitigate the situation and we will keep you updated as the situation develops.”

Following the social unrest, FedEx pick-up and delivery operations have been impacted.

Operations have been suspended in Libya, whilst the operator is still experiencing some delays in Bahrain, Egypt and Tunisia.

A spokesperson said the company is “closely monitoring the situation in all affected countries”.

FedEx added that where appropriate, the company has operational contingency plans in place to minimise service delays.

Meanwhile, TNT confirmed that all commercial flight operations in and out of Libya are suspended and therefore all the import bags are being held in Dubai.

UPS said that due to civil unrest and airspace closure in the North African country, “all UPS services to and from the country have been temporarily suspended”.

As of Friday afternoon, the BBC was reporting that anti government protesters had come under “heavy gunfire” in capital city Tripoli – citing sources in Libya.