The long weekend encouraged many Maltese to travel to Gozo for a short stay.

But many of them are now regretting their decision, as they are taking hours to return to Malta.

People stuck in Gozo say that the queue of cars goes as far back as Xewkija, as Gozo Channel is not able to handle the load as fast as it should.

The beautiful spring day made matters worse as many Maltese opted for a longer stay on the sister island, but now they are paying the price for it.

For the duration of summer, Gozo Channel was operating with four vessels, but the number was brought down to three as the vessel Ta' Pinu needed maintenance work.

Ta' Pinu is set to rejoin the fleet this evening to improve the service.

Until 6pm, some 3,000 cars had crossed from Gozo to Malta, and another 1,200 are waiting, The Malta Independent is informed.