Technically a no fly zone simply means that no aircraft can fly in a specific area.  At the most this should mean that if an aircraft is found flying in such area it will be shot down.  But the current United Nations resolution against Libya is NOT a no fly zone.

The resolution allows any force necessary, that would mean air strikes, and even troops, on the ground.  That is NOT a no fly zone.  This is what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “The resolution authorizes the use of ‘all necessary measures’, including a no-fly zone to prevent further casualties and loss of innocent lives.” In other words a no fly zone is just one part of the military operations that will take place.

Ed Luck, a special adviser on the protection of civilians,  said this current resolution is historic : “This is the first time that the council has taken Chapter 7 enforcement measures specifically to ensure the responsibility to protect.” He added that it “…authorizes a much greater use of coercive force if necessary.” In other words the UN (at the urging of France, United Kingdom & United States) has just moved closer to being willing to go to all out war with member nations.