April 16, 2010
Because of the ash from a volcano in Iceland, all flights to the UK and several other countries from Malta International Airport were cancelled yesterday.
The plume of ash disrupted air travel to all UK airports, Ireland, Scandinavia and, by the evening, also forced the closure of airports in Brussels and Paris.
Volcanic ash is so dangerous to airliners that it can cause serious damage to engines.
Travel warnings are expected to remain in force today and possibly tomorrow as the northerly winds blow the ash towards central Europe.
Hundreds of flights in the UK were cancelled in what experts described as one of the largest travel disruptions in recent times.
About 20 inbound and outbound flights at MIA were cancelled as stranded passengers queued for hours at the airport trying to make alternative arrangements with their airlines.
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Air Malta said its morning flights to Heathrow and Gatwick airports were not affected but the airline cancelled later flights to and from Manchester, Birmingham, Heathrow, Gatwick and Brussels.
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