Flight disruptions at Malta International Airport continued into Wednesday morning as an ash cloud from Sicily’s Mount Etna moved into airspace used by flights travelling to Malta.

As reported by Times of Malta, nineteen flights were cancelled on Tuesday as the volcanic activity caused widespread disruption, leaving passengers facing delays and changes to their travel plans.

Among Wednesday morning’s cancellations were a Swiss/KM Malta Airlines service to Zurich and a Jet2.com flight to Edinburgh. Transavia also cancelled an afternoon service scheduled to arrive from Paris Orly.

A number of other flights were delayed, while some aircraft were forced to change their usual approach to Malta.

One pilot reported that the ash cloud was clearly visible from high altitude. Several aircraft have reportedly been taking a more westerly route when approaching Malta and flying at lower altitudes than normal to avoid the affected area.

Passengers have been advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.

Located around 220 kilometres north of Malta, Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano. While its ash clouds have occasionally forced aircraft travelling to and from Malta to divert or alter their routes, a direct impact on operations at Malta International Airport remains relatively uncommon.

Closer to the volcano, Catania Airport has been forced to suspend operations several times in recent weeks, with flights cancelled or diverted to Palermo as volcanic activity continued. The disruption has also affected local events.

Were you affected by these cancelled/delayed flights?