Italy Remains Malta’s Top Destination In September 2024

Oct 8 2024

In September 2024, Malta International Airport recorded 896,471 arrivals and departures, marking a 10.4% increase over the previous year.

Passenger traffic peaked early in the month, with over 33,000 travellers passing through on the busiest day, Sunday, 1st September.

The airport’s seat capacity grew by 9.1%, while the seat load factor (SLF) reached an all-time high for September at 90.2%, reflecting strong occupancy rates on flights.

Italy remained the top market, representing more than 23% of traffic with 213,259 passenger movements. The United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Poland followed in the rankings.

Poland saw the most rapid growth, with a 55.8% surge in traffic, while France was the only market to see a slight decline, falling 2.9% below 2023 levels due to fewer seats on flights.

London Gatwick was the most popular airport destination, with 50,740 passengers. Cargo and mail traffic reached 1,952 tonnes, while the year-to-date passenger count rose to nearly 6.9 million, a 15.5% improvement over last year.

Malta International Airport also launched its autumn-winter schedule, offering 109 direct connections across Europe and the Middle East. Notable changes include Aer Lingus starting a thrice-weekly service to Dublin and Eurowings extending its Dusseldorf route into winter.

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Malta Airport Launches Autumn/Winter Schedule

Oct 8 2024

Malta International Airport has unveiled its autumn-winter 2024 flight schedule, featuring 109 direct connections across Europe and the Middle East.

Highlights include Aer Lingus’ introduction of a thrice-weekly route to Dublin and Eurowings’ extension of its Dusseldorf service into winter.

The schedule’s launch follows a strong September for the airport, with passenger traffic rising by 10.4% compared to 2023, reaching 896,471 arrivals and departures.

The busiest day was 1st September, when over 33,000 passengers were handled. Seat capacity increased by 9.1%, while the seat load factor (SLF) reached a record 90.2%, indicating high occupancy rates on flights.

Italy maintained its position as the leading market, accounting for over 23% of total traffic, with 213,259 passenger movements. The United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Poland rounded out the top five markets. Poland experienced the fastest growth, surging 55.8%, while France saw a slight decline, down 2.9% due to fewer seats available on aircraft.

Other September statistics include a total seat capacity of 993,672, with London Gatwick being the most popular airport (50,740 passengers). Cargo and mail traffic totalled 1,952 tonnes. Year-to-date passenger movements stood at 6.9 million, marking a 15.5% increase over 2023.

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Duke & Duchess Of Edinburgh Visit Malta

Oct 8 2024

Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, paid courtesy calls to both the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, and Prime Minister Robert Abela during their visit to the island.

At the Presidential Palace in Valletta, President Spiteri Debono and her husband, Dr. Anthony Spiteri Debono, warmly welcomed the Duke and Duchess.

During the meeting, they discussed the strong bilateral relationship between Malta and the United Kingdom, as well as the historical ties through the Commonwealth.

The President also reflected on the deep connection between Malta and the British Royal Family, particularly recalling the personal bond of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who spent her early married life on the island at Villa Gwardamangia.

In a separate courtesy call, Prime Minister Robert Abela had the opportunity to greet Their Royal Highnesses.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh reminisced about their previous visits to Malta and highlighted the lasting legacy of the late Prince Philip, whose Duke of Edinburgh International Award continues to empower youth in Malta and across the world.

The Duke and Duchess are currently in Malta to inaugurate the new headquarters of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, a program that has supported generations of young people in their personal development.

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HHC Products Banned In Malta

Oct 7 2024

Malta has officially banned the sale and distribution of HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol), a synthetic cannabinoid marketed as a legal alternative to THC.

HHC emerged recently, exploiting legal loopholes, and posing significant risks to public health. Despite being untested on humans, it was widely sold in appealing forms like gummies, lollipops, and vape products, often targeted at children and minors through deceptive marketing tactics.

The ban, enacted under Legal Notice 238 of 2024, aims to close this loophole and protect the public, especially vulnerable groups, from harmful and unregulated substances.

HHC products were being sold without any restrictions or quality controls, unlike regulated cannabis products distributed through the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC). These licensed associations follow strict guidelines, including age verification and quality testing, ensuring consumer safety.

In contrast, HHC products were sold freely in commercial shops and online, with no age limits or safety guarantees.

The aggressive marketing of these products further exacerbated the risks, targeting minors and creating a dangerous environment. The ban ensures that such harmful substances are no longer available, safeguarding public health and reinforcing the importance of responsible regulation in the cannabis industry.

#MaltaDaily