Updated 5.52pm - Added Air Malta statement

Video purporting to show passengers take over an Air Malta plane's public address system mid-flight was misleading and cabin crew at no point breached procedures, the airline has said. 

In a statement, Air Malta said that it was lifting the temporary suspension of KM626 cabin crew flying out of Milan last Sunday following the investigation. 

It explained the video clip by saying that crew had been asked by the company to give a passenger on the flight a celebratory birthday cake. 

"The request was handled through normal operational channels and all procedures were followed strictly," the airline said. "The investigation showed that at no
point in time did “passengers took over the inflight public address system to party with their friends."

The airline said that the flight's cabin crew had shown they were "ready to go the extra mile to ensure a unique passenger experience."

Party on the plane

The video, uploaded on The Malta Independent, shows a passenger announcing his friend’s birthday on the PA system, before asking other passengers to join in the celebration.

The route is popular with Maltese football enthusiasts, especially Juventus and Milan supporters, who go to watch the matches in northern Italy.

Air Malta had initially said it was "appalled at the apparent breaches and lack of professionalism shown by members of the crew" and temporarily suspended them. 

The investigation into the incident was carried out under the supervision of its Chief Officer Flight Operations, Captain Alex Muscat and Chief Officer Human Resources,
Roberto Cristiano.