The first Britons to land back in the UK from Libya have described the "hellish" scenes they encountered in the violence-torn country.
Oil worker, Stephen Willoughby, who had just touched down at Gatwick Airport told Sky News about his relief to be home.
"It has been horrific. Thousands and thousands are just trying to get home. There was a stampede last night, tear gas was thrown.
"There was just constant shooting. You didn't fear for your safety but there has just been constant gunfire over the last 72 hours."
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has said he is "extremely sorry" about the problems British nationals have faced as they tried to leave Libya.
Helena Sheehan, 66, who recently arrived back to the UK said she had just experienced "some of the worst hours of her life".
"Libya is descending into hell. The airport is like nothing I've ever seen in my whole life.
"It's absolute chaos. There's just thousands and thousands of people trying to get out."
Scores of expatriate workers have been evacuated on chartered and military aircraft, with one landing at Gatwick this morning and another due to touch down in Malta shortly.
More than 70 people arrived into Gatwick airport at 7am on board a plane chartered by oil company BP.
Passengers were being offered counselling as they came off the flight, according to an airport spokesperson.
Meanwhile, three British RAF planes are assisting in the evacuation of stranded Britons.
One of the planes, which left Tripoli this morning has arrived in Malta. The aircraft,carrying 71 people on board is expected to arrive at Gatwick airport early evening.
The second British Hercules Military Aircraft is due to leave Tripoli shortly, according to Sky sources.
While a third plane remains in Malta ready to be deployed if needed.
Royal Navy frigate HMS Cumberland is reportedly approaching the Libyan coast to evacuate the 70 or so Britons around the Benghazi area.
Britons are being urged to go to the coast to board.
The special boat service is also on stand-by for a possible rescue mission to Libya, according to Sky sources.
Around 170 British oil workers are still trapped in the country and have told the Foreign Office they are beginning to feel threatened.
Some have also reported their food and water are being looted.
One of those stranded is Richard Foscolo, who is based at Ghani, which is a nine hour drive followed by a two hour flight away from Tripoli.
His wife Angie Foscolo told Sky News she was concerned for his safety.
"The oil companies say they are trying to evacuate workers but in my opinion the oil companies are not co-ordinating with one another.