Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis has called on Malta International Airport to explain what led to the two-hour closure of the runway on Tuesday following a nationwide power cut.

At least four flights were diverted to Sicily while a number of others were delayed when the Luqa landing lights went dark for some 25 minutes during the blackout.

The landing strip, however, was not reopened for a further 90 minutes after air traffic officials insisted on running tests to ensure passenger safety.

Mr Zammit Lewis yesterday held meetings with representatives from the airport and the Malta Air Traffic Services, calling for two reports to be presented to the Civil Aviation Authority to confirm the cause of the problem.

Airport sources told Times of Malta the closure took place because the two airport’s emergency generators  used to support the runway  experienced technical difficulties.

Asked if the airport was responsible for the safety equipment’s failings, the sources said maintenance works were carried out every six weeks.