Malta has earned the rather unwanted title of being the most delay-prone destination within the European Union for the period between January and June this year, as per the latest report from air traffic management organisation Eurocontrol.
The island ranked second to the bottom when it comes to outbound flight punctuality, with just 43% of departures leaving on time from January 1 to August 6.
According to Eurocontrol’s findings, 57% of flights into Malta faced delays during the same timeframe.
This less-than-stellar performance in terms of timeliness has raised concerns among travellers and aviation authorities alike, especially considering the bustling tourism and business activities the island caters to.
In stark contrast to Malta’s struggles, Norway emerged as a beacon of punctuality, clinching the top position for arrival punctuality and a commendable second place for departure punctuality. With nearly 80% of flights arriving on time, Norway’s aviation sector showcases the effectiveness of their air traffic management systems and operational efficiency.
Addressing the Eurocontrol punctuality data, a spokesperson for Malta International Airport stated that their key focus centres on delivering excellent service to guests through specially trained frontline staff and a safe airport environment
“While we acknowledge that flight delays affect the overall guest experience, some of the most common causes of disruptions, including inclement weather, technical issues and industrial action, are beyond the airport’s reasonable control”, they wrote.
As the aviation industry continues to recover from the challenges posed by the global pandemic, these figures spotlight the importance of efficient air traffic management and timely flight operations.
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