A mass fire broke out at Misurata International Airport last night, causing heavy damage to the departure lounge of the airport.

Fire-fighters rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames, which could been seen from a distance, according to eye witnesses.

No official statement has yet been released regarding the incident or the causes of the fire; whether it was arson or an accidental fire.

However, activists quoted sources from the airport as saying that it was due to a short circuit in the airport's departure lounge.

Meanwhile, the Airports Authority announced on the background of last night's fire, that it will suspend all its services to commercial flights at Misurata Airport until further notice, noting that flights will be operated from Mitiga International Airport starting from next Sunday.