As Storm Ciara batters Europe, causing cancelled flights all throughout the continent, Malta’s national airline has questioned why it was forced to divert to an Austrian town when other airlines were not during a recent storm.

The diversion comes as Air Malta had to cancel or reschedule flights to and from major locations like London and Munich due to weather conditions.

Saying that safety remained the airline’s top priority, Air Malta lamented having to change the schedule for its KM309 flight to Munich and negatively affect its passengers while other airlines continued as planned.

“Air Malta stated that it found it surprising that some airlines operating to Munich were given permission to land while its own flights were refused approach authorisation and thus had to divert to Linz airport,” the company said in a statement.

The diversion and cancellations caused chaos for travellers.

One Maltese passenger who was stuck in Munich waiting for a flight back told Lovin Malta that he had been waiting for hours as his flight kept getting delayed.

“I’ve been stuck in Munich since 11am this morning,” he said on Monday. “My flight was cancelled then my alternative flight later on for 4:45pm was cancelled at 7:30pm.”

“All efforts are being made to assist the passengers affected,” Air Malta has said in response.

“The airline flight KM308 Malta – Munich of today had to divert in Linz due to the weather conditions, causing the authorities to close the airport prior landing,” the airline continued.

The airline will be informing customers when the airport gives them a “clear indication on the recommencement of normal operations”, Air Malta said, noting that Air Malta’s ground handling agents can assist passengers with hotel accommodation.