Air Malta has warned its customers to expect delays after another of its aircraft was damaged.

An Air Malta aircraft operating flight KM662 from Malta to Palermo this afternoon suffered a bird strike during take-off at Malta International Airport, the airline said.

The captain rejected the take-off and the aircraft was taken back to its stand. Rejected take-offs are performed to maintain the highest level of safety in such situations.

All passengers are safe and are being taken care of.

KM662/3 Malta – Palermo – Malta has been cancelled and customers will be offered full refund or re-routings on other Air Malta flights.

The aircraft, which sustained considerable damage to one engine, is currently being checked by engineers with a view to return it to normal operations as soon as possible, Air Malta said.

“With two aircraft grounded, following also an incident sustained to another aircraft in London Gatwick two days ago, the airline’s flight schedule looks challenging today and for this weekend. Delays are thus expected.”

On Thursday, Air Malta said one of its planes was damaged after it was hit by a jetty bridge at Gatwick.

Air Malta customers are advised to check the airline’s Website www.airmalta.com and Facebook page www.facebook.com/AirMalta/ for updated information.

Customers can also call the airline’s call center on +356 2166 2211. Safety for its customers and crew remains Air Malta’s top priority.

Air Malta apologised for this inconvenience due to circumstances beyond its control.