An Air Malta aircraft aborted take-off from Tripoli this afternoon to pick up three Maltese who had just arrived at the airport.

Informed sources said the plane had already started taxing after having picked up all Maltese holding tickets. Officials were then informed that another three men had turned up and the plane returned to the apron to pick them up.

The flight, whose departure was already late by some three hours, is expected in Malta at about 5.30 p.m.

Air Malta said in a statement later this evening that the flight back was delayed due to the heavy congestions at Tripoli Airport.

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