News: Malta opening up to no-frills airlines

Flights > News > # 936 (31/08/2006)

Ryanair have responded to the Maltese government’s call for more cheap flights to the island by announcing plans to launch three new routes there from the UK, Ireland and Italy.

Malta has been a popular package holiday destination for decades, but there has been a sharp decline in tourist numbers in recent years as holidaymakers take advantage of cheap flights to rival hot spots across Europe and North Africa.

Subject to approval from the Maltese authorities, Ryanair aim to launch daily flights from London Luton to Malta International airport, and a three times weekly service from Pisa by the end of October. Three weekly flights between Dublin and Malta are set to take off next February.

Ryanair deputy chief executive, Michael Cawley, said the airline’s entry into the Maltese market is the start if a new era for the island’s tourism.

“The decline, which has been evident in their visitor numbers for some time, will now reverse and that success can be built upon with more growth which Ryanair is quite prepared to provide to Malta from its various bases throughout Europe in the coming years,” Mr Cawley said.