Low cost airline EasyJet apologised this evening after its flight from Milan Malpensa to Malta had to be cancelled.

"The flight had to be cancelled for operational reasons, and passengers have been offered either a refund of the full fare or a change of booking on another EasyJet flight," the airline said.

"EasyJet prides itself of operational excellence - we operate 1000 flights every day with one of the youngest fleets in the world of nearly 200 aircraft which are on average on 3.5 years old. Our flights are on average 86% full, and even fuller during the current Easter period. This year EasyJet expects 50 million passengers on over 500 routes," the airline added.

It did not give further details on the 'operational' reasons. Unofficial sources said the airline had a crew problem.

The flight was cancelled some 45 minutes before take off.

The Malpensa service was introduced just a few days ago.