Ash cloud from Sicily’s Mount Etna volcano disrupts Malta flights

VALLETTA, Aug 11 - An ash cloud from Sicily's Mount Etna volcano drifted over Malta on Tuesday, forcing airlines to cancel some flights to the Mediterranean island at the height of the tourism season.

"We're currently experiencing flight disruptions due to volcanic ash clouds over the Maltese Islands following recent activity at Mount Etna,” Malta International Airport said in a Facebook message.

A spokesperson said 19 flights had been cancelled by mid-afternoon on Tuesday and several other flights had been significantly delayed.

Malta airport is some 220 km (140 miles) south of Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, which started erupting again last week, forcing the closure of Sicily's main airport in the city of Catania for several days.

Catania airport, Italy's fifth busiest by passenger traffic, said on Tuesday it had extended the halt to all arrivals and departures until 11:00 a.m. (0900 GMT) on Wednesday.

Passengers with flights scheduled both out of Catania and Malta were advised to check the status of their journey before travelling to either airport. REUTERS