Gaddafi's son lands in Queenstown

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JET SETTER: Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi is the second son of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi .

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The son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is believed to be on holiday in central Otago.

Colonel Gaddafi's private jet landed in Christchurch today and it is understood Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi was on board.

He was believed to have to flown straight on to Queenstown on a smaller aircraft for a private holiday.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade earlier confirmed to The Press that a member of the Gaddafi family was expected in the country for a private visit.

Saif Gaddafi, 37, has a reputation as a well-heeled, socialite bachelor who is an architect and an amateur artist.

He was pivotal in gaining the early release of Libyan Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, 57, who was given a life sentence in Britain for placing an explosive device on Pam Am Flight 103 which exploded over Lockerbie in Scotland in 1998, killing 270 people.

It is understood the aircraft with its Air Afriqiyah livery, will remain parked at Christchurch International Airport until it flies out on January 4.

The aircraft is the same plane used to fly al-Megrahi back to Libya earlier this year.

- NZPA