What is a no-fly zone?

[Coldicote]

There's a lot of talk about a no-fly zone in Libya, as if everyone understands what it would mean. Is it a threat to attack aircraft and, if so, wouldn't it be tantamount to a declaration of war? For goodness sake, Prime Minister, tell us in simple language what you are talking about. What do readers understand about a no-fly zone and how it might be enforced?

[Davethedog]

Its "simple" the Libyan air force wouldn't be allowed to fly if they did they would be shot down by "allied" aircraft.

[McMouse]

No fly zone would be declared and enforced by say UN or NATO and would involve neutralising Libya's ground to air defences and shooting down any Libya airforce planes that took off.

[x-ray]

A no fly zone means exactly what it says - no flies would be allowed in or out of libya

[Coldicote]

Too bad if allied aircraft were not recognised!

[ladybirder]

LOL xray

[Zeuhl]

We'd need to take out their anti aircraft weapons and they are mobile so Gaddafi would probably park them next to schools, mosques and hospitals.

[BertiWooster]

Alas , the idea of a no fly zone , is now irrelevant - too late .

This man is on the point of snuffing out the rebellion .

I feel extremely sorry for the people who are going to be , and is currently the subject of his retribution .

Remember what one , Saddam Hussein did ?

[Hopkirk]

We did a no fly zone in Iraq and look where we ended up.

I can't believe that once again the UK is at the front of those wanting to send in the military to another country. When will we learn?

[anotheoldgit]

I don't think that the Libyan Air force, would simply just keep out of their own sky space, neither would they let UN or NATO planes just shoot them down without retaliating.

What then, If a UN or NATO happened to get shot down? It would lead to an all out war, with the entry of ground forces.

No we don't want another Iraq or Afghanistan, leave them to their own devices, it's got nothing to do with us.

[in a mo]

The no fly zone is a problem because the helecopters or aircraft can fly much lower were I believe it is difficult to trace .I agreee I feel so sorry for the people ,talk about sitting on the fence .

[R1Geezer]

it's a zone where flying is not allowed, derrrrrr!

[rov1100]

Trouble is because we have no aircraft carriers they have to take off from Britain or France and take 2 hours to get there.

[237SJ]

I would have thought if they were going to impliment a no-fly zone the aircraft would be based in Saudi Arabia - they wouldn`t take off from Britain or France.

[BertiWooster]

What - we got no aircraft carriers - has some bug*er pinched them , while we were sleeping ?

[R1Geezer]

they'll be based in Malta probably.

[Coldicote]

Thank you everyone for an informative and interesting discussion.