An Air Malta flight to Manchester turned back this afternoon because of a security issue.
The flight was aborted as a security precaution because of a discrepancy between the number of passengers and the luggage checked in, the airline said.
The flight departed at about 4pm but turned back shortly before reaching Sicily. The aircraft, an Airbus A319, landed safely.
The flight is expected to take off again at 5.35pm
Air Malta said the matter is under investigation. It said it gives utmost importance to the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew and it apologised to its clients for any inconvenience caused.
Earlier this week the airline suffered delays to five of its flights after an aircraft was grounded because of a technical issue. One of the flights, to Budapest, was delayed for 12 hours.