Malta to join Dubai-based airline’s European network with four weekly flights

flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, on Monday announced Malta will be joining its European network from 12th May.

Flights between Malta International Airport and Dubai International will operate four times a week; with two flights operating directly and two via a stop in Catania International Airport, Italy.

The carrier has grown its network to 66 destinations as more countries gradually lift travel restrictions.

With the addition of Catania, Malta, Naples and Salzburg the carrier will operate flights to 20 destinations in Europe including Belgrade, Bucharest, Helsinki, Istanbul, Krakow, Prague and Sofia.

Commenting on the announcement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “with the start of flights to Catania, Malta, Naples and Salzburg we continue to gradually grow our network catering to an increasing demand for travel, as more passengers return to the skies and more countries ease restrictions on international air travel.

“Since commencing operations in 2009, we have been committed to opening up previously underserved markets and the launch of our latest routes in Europe demonstrates our continuous efforts to offer more people the opportunity to travel more often while creating free flows of travel, trade, and tourism.”

H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the United Arab Emirates, said: “connectivity is paramount for solid ties between States; and likewise between Malta and the UAE.”

Indeed, a Central Bank of Malta report late in 2020 identified that nearly half of Malta’s air routes have been wiped off the map in less than a year due to the pandemic, with COVID taking air travel back 15 years – a major headache for Malta’s economy.  

“Joined by the Malta Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Malta Tourism Authority, we are grateful to flydubai for announcing the route to Malta, providing an opportunity to foster and strengthen the political, commercial and people-to-people relations between our two countries.”

Emirates will codeshare on these routes and the flights will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International, offering travellers more seamless connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub to variety of destinations between both Emirates and flydubai networks including Australia, China, Indian Ocean, Japan and South Asia.

The codeshare will also offer customers more flexibility and choice with a generous baggage allowance, seat selection options and meal services in Economy and Business Class.

Emirates and flydubai Skywards members can also enjoy greater convenience and simplicity with a unified currency and a single metric for earning and redeeming Miles through their shared loyalty programme.

Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, added: “we are pleased to be able to offer for the first time flydubai flights between Malta and Dubai.  Whether customers choose to travel in Business Class or Economy Class they can look forward to convenient connections as well as a comfortable onboard travel experience as they start their journey. We look forward to launching flights from Malta in May and to welcoming passengers on flydubai.”

“With the flydubai launch we are incredibly excited to roll out a number of marketing activities, initiatives and campaigns in the UAE, to captivate and entice residents to visit and discover the rich cultural attractions, culinary delights, activities, hospitality and excitement that the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino have to offer”: said Glenn Johnston, Malta Tourism Authority, Middle East & Cyprus Representative.

Fares

Return Business Class fares start from MLA to DXB are €2,000 and Economy Class fares are €550.

For the full timetable and fares, please visit: https://www.flydubai.com/en/plan/timetable