Copenhagen, London and Debrecen: 3 New Routes For Malta International Airport

Apr 16 2025 Share

Malta International Airport is adding three new direct routes in March 2025, boosting its network of 109 destinations.

Scandinavian Airlines has returned with direct flights to Copenhagen, Denmark, reconnecting Malta with the Nordic region. Meanwhile, Universal Air has launched flights to Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city, opening up more access to Eastern Europe and a new route to London Southend adds another gateway to the UK, offering more flexibility for travellers.

Malta International Airport continued its strong performance in March, welcoming 725,134 passengers. Italy remained the top market, accounting for 19.6% of total traffic, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 18.9%, reaffirming their importance as key travel hubs.

Other top-performing markets in March included Poland, Germany, and Spain, rounding out the top five.

Seat availability also saw strong growth, with 851,608 seats offered on flights to and from Malta — a 17.2% increase over the previous year. Despite the surge, the seat load factor experienced a slight dip of 2.1 percentage points, standing at 85.1%, still a healthy figure reflecting sustained demand.

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Restored Samurai Armour To Feature At Expo 2025

Restored Samurai Armour To Feature At Expo 2025
Apr 16 2025 Share

Three sets of Japanese Samurai armour, originally gifted to Malta in 1862 during a diplomatic mission, have been expertly restored in Japan through a collaboration between Heritage Malta, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the Embassy of Malta in Japan.

One of the restored suits—alongside a historic armour of the Order of St John—will be exhibited at the Malta Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Malta and Japan.

The pavilion will also showcase replicas of iconic Maltese artefacts, including a Neolithic Seated Figure, the Majmuna Stone, and the Phoenician Cippus, reflecting Malta’s multicultural past.

The original Samurai gift was presented by a Japanese delegation that included Yukichi Fukuzawa—an influential Samurai, educator, and founder of Keio University.

This marked the first recorded visit of Japanese nationals to Malta, then a strategic stop on their journey to Europe.

The armour remained on display at the Grand Master’s Palace Armoury until WWII, when it was stored underground. Prolonged humidity caused serious deterioration, leaving it un-exhibitable for decades.

In 2016, Ambassador André Spiteri initiated efforts to restore the armour, enlisting the Kyoto Art Restoration Centre. Meticulous work revealed elements of a previously unknown third suit—an extraordinary rediscovery.

This initiative celebrates cultural diplomacy and revives a long-forgotten symbol of Malta-Japan friendship.

 

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Paiber’s Tears As Valletta Return To Premier League

Paiber’s Tears As Valletta Return To Premier League
Apr 16 2025 Share

Photographer Matthias Brancaleone captured a powerful moment of passion and emotion during Valletta FC’s final match of the season last Saturday — a 3-0 victory over Marsa that sealed their return to the Maltese Premier League.

The match marked the end of a long and determined campaign for Valletta, who were relegated last year for the first time in their history. In the emotional footage, club captain Brandon Paiber is seen taking a moment for himself, overcome with feeling after helping his side bounce back to the top flight.

Paiber, born in Argentina but a key player for the Malta national team, chose loyalty over comfort by staying with Valletta despite interest from Premier League clubs. His decision came with personal risks, including the possibility of losing his spot in the national squad due to playing in the Challenge League.

Reflecting on the journey, Brancaleone said, “In life, you meet people who share the same passion as you. This season, I got to know Brandon Paiber better, and we both understood what this journey meant to us — each from our own perspective. What a moment it was. You deserve so much, Paiber. You stayed with Valletta Football Club, fully aware that it might cost you your spot on the National Team.”

Following the win at the National Stadium, celebrations erupted across Republic Street in Valletta, where thousands of supporters filled the streets in a sea of white, chanting and cheering late into the night — a powerful reminder of why Valletta’s fanbase is among the most passionate in Maltese football.

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Source: Matthias Brancaleone

American Impressed By McDonald’s In Malta

American Impressed By McDonald's In Malta
Apr 16 2025 Share

Christian Grossi’s Malta adventure continues, this time with the American travel influencer being impressed by the local McDonald’s.

In a video shared to social media, Grossi expressed how impressed he was by the quality of Matla’s McDonald’s and appreciating the tea he was served.

@christian.grossi

Imagine if we had this back in the USA 🇲🇹 #fyp #tellme #traveltiktok #backpacking #malta #mcdonalds

♬ original sound – Grossi

Particularly, the ceramic tea pot that the tea was served in. He was also impressed by the amount of other treats available at the McCafe area – with cookies and treats that he couldn’t even name.

“I just expected it to be a regular takeaway tea, you know. It’s a peppermint tea at McDonald’s. This is like a five star hotel tea bag at McDonald’s.”

“You know why we would never have this in the US”, he asked about the tea pot. “It’s because we would all steal them and take them home. I’m thinking about doing it here in Malta.”

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