KM Malta Airlines has said that the ongoing volcanic activity at Mount Etna is creating a highly unpredictable and rapidly changing operating environment for both Catania Airport and the airlines serving it.

”Where sufficient advance information is available, we make every effort to inform affected passengers as early as possible,” the airline said. ”There are, however, circumstances in which conditions deteriorate, or operational restrictions are introduced at short notice, requiring a decision to delay or cancel a flight close to its scheduled departure time.”

The airline said it works closely with Catania Airport and the relevant authorities to maintain scheduled operations whenever it is safe to do so. However, volcanic activity, prevailing winds and weather conditions can change quickly and, in some instances, with very little notice.

”We fully appreciate the inconvenience and uncertainty that such late changes can cause our passengers. Nevertheless, where changing volcanic or weather conditions present a potential risk to the safe operation of a flight, KM Malta Airlines will not hesitate to cancel that flight, even at short notice,” it said.

The airline concluded by saying that ”the safety of our passengers and crew is our overriding priority. At the same time, our operational teams will continue working closely with Catania Airport and the relevant authorities to maximise every opportunity to operate our scheduled services safely during this highly dynamic situation.”

File photo: KM Malta Airlines

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