A Buraq Air (UZ) 737 inbound from Benghazi with 150 passengers aboard, yesterday sustained "no major damage" from ground-based gunfire as it was on finals into Tripoli International Airport Reuters has reported. As a result, the Libyan private carrier has suspended all flights to Tripoli effective immediately.
The Boeing 737-800 (unknown registry) "was hit on the bottom, in the lavatory at the front of the plane," though it managed to land safely.
"People started to panic inside and one woman was later taken to hospital to be treated for shock," the first source said, adding some 150 passengers were on board the plane.
Source [Reuters]
It is uncertain as to whether the gunfire was a result of celebrations or a direct attack on the aircraft.
Libya is no stranger to gunfire incidents as in December 2012, an Afriqiyah (8U) A320 on approach into Sebha aborted its landing after the pilot reportedly saw gunfire surrounding the airport.
