Updated 6 p.m.

A queue of cars stretching from Mgarr, past Ghajnsielem and Xewkija and on to Victoria in Gozo has built up as hundreds of people wait to return to Malta after benefiting from Gozo Channel’s free weekend - and glorious weather.

The ferries have been operating free of charge since Friday but many opted to go to Gozo this morning, and a double lane queue in the morning blocked the road from Marfa to Cirkewwa.  

It was by far the biggest ever exodus of Maltese to Gozo, and the return meant many hours of waiting time. People spent hours chatting outside their cars, anxiously looking at their watches. Others simply slept in their seats.

As the queue stretched to Victoria, three lanes of the road down from Ghajnsielem to Mgarr were taken up by the cars, leaving just one uphill lane. People wishing to go to Mgarr without taking the ferries had to drive through Qala.

The free service will continue throughout the night.

The free travel to Gozo initiative will cost taxpayers more than €250,000 as the Government will refund the costs incurred by the ferry company.

The aim of the initiative was to attract visitors and boost the economy of Gozo during this time of year when business is traditionally slow.  

The ferries are being operated on a shuttle service.