Air Malta will allow small animals to travel in the cabin with their owners as from New Year’s Day.

This facility will be available on all Air Malta’s network, with the exception of flights to and from the UK.

Animals should be carried in an appropriate pet carrier measuring not more than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, the airline said.

The maximum allowed weight of the pet, including the carrier, is 10 kilos and a fee of €70 per way is applicable per container. Pets should be registered in advance with the airline’s call centre.

Only three pets, including guide dogs, will be accepted on the same flight, which means that those that are not registered could be refused boarding at the airport. Two pets of the same species can travel in the same carrier, as long as all conditions related to size, weight, safety and well-being are met.

A valid pet passport and other necessary documents would be required for the pet to be allowed to travel besides providing a health certificate confirming that the animal is in good health, harmless and inoffensive.

Larger pets and other animals can still be carried in the aircraft hold.