Air Malta has cancelled its flights to and from Catania on Sunday and Monday following emission of ash from Mount Etna, the airline said in a statement.

Due to Mount Etna volcanic ash emission, Catania Airport is closed for operations.

Air Malta has therefore had to cancel flights KM642/643 Malta – Catania - Malta on 21 May and KM640/641 Malta – Catania – Malta on 22 May due airport closure.

Customers booked on these flights will be able to either rebook to travel on an alternative flight by contacting the Air Malta Customer Service Centre on 00356 21662211 or to receive a full ticket refund by emailing [email protected].

For any flights booked through a travel agent, customers should contact their travel agent who can submit a refund request on their behalf. 

Net News reports that a number of Maltese are stranded in the Sicilian city.