Updated 4.05pm

An Air Malta flight from Rome was delayed for several hours today after Italian police received a threat about the flight, the airline said this morning. 

Flight KM613 to Malta was grounded as Italian authorities searched the plane and checked passengers' luggage. No information was given about the type of threat received. 

The flight was due to depart at 10.10am and arrive in Malta at 11.35am. It finally departed mid-afternoon and is expected to land at Malta International Airport at 4.45pm. 

"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance," an airline spokesman said after the plane had been given the all-clear. 

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our guests due to circumstances beyond our control."