Ash cloud from Mt Etna disrupts Malta flights; cancellations continue, delays persist as hazard remains

An ash cloud from Mt. Etna, located 220 km north of Malta, has caused significant disruptions at Malta Airport, leading to 19 flight cancellations on Tuesday and ongoing delays on Wednesday. Passengers were advised to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport.¹²³

Among the cancelled flights were a Swiss/KM Malta Airlines flight to Zurich and a Jet2.Com service to Edinburgh. Additionally, Transavia cancelled an afternoon flight from Paris Orly, while several other flights experienced delays. A pilot noted that the ash cloud was clearly visible from a high altitude, prompting some aircraft to deviate from their usual routes, flying at lower altitudes and from a more westerly direction.⁴⁵⁶⁷

A spokesperson for Malta International Airport stated, “Passengers who arrive at the airport and see that their flight has been cancelled are being guided accordingly to make alternative arrangements by ground handlers before going up to the departures lounge.” The ash cloud has previously affected flights to and from Malta, but direct impacts on airport operations are rare. The situation has also led to the postponement of a planned fireworks display by Attard’s Soĵieta Mużikali la Stella Levantina, which cited safety concerns due to the ash cloud and airport disruptions. The club expressed hope for a return to normalcy during the upcoming feast days, stating, “Law and safety come first and foremost.”