UN-backed Libyan authorities seize eastern Libyan plane

Authorities at Libya's Misrata airport Sunday seized a Libyan Airlines aircraft operating from Benghazi in the east of the country, the airline's Benghazi management said. The aircraft was seized in the western city of Misrata, east of the capital Tripoli, after it flew there for maintenance from Benghazi's Benina airport. The carrier's Benghazi spokesman said the incident was causing serious disruption to the flight schedule. The plane operates 3 flights to international destinations daily. It was stopped by the assistant manager of Misrata airport, the carrier said. A spokesman for the eastern-based Libyan administration said the authorities in eastern Libya have given Misrata airport hours to return the plane or "they must take responsibility for other escalatory measures in their airspace." <br/>