Over 600,000 Passengers Through Malta Airport In March 2024

Apr 10 2024

In March, Malta International Airport achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 600,000 passenger movements for the first time with a total of 633,826 passengers welcomed.

This marked a significant 30.1% increase compared to March 2023. The first quarter of 2024 closed with a total of 1,573,712 passenger movements, reflecting strong growth.

The peak in passenger volumes occurred towards the end of the month, particularly on March 28th, with 27,250 passengers passing through the airport. This surge coincided with Maundy Thursday and the start of P&O Cruises’ Cruise and Fly services, extending operations until October.

The positive traffic performance was supported by a 24.6% increase in seat capacity to and from Malta compared to last year, achieving an impressive seat load factor of 87.2%, the highest recorded for March.

Aircraft movements also rose by 20.5% year-on-year to a total of 4,031 take-offs and landings in March.

Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany remained the top three markets, collectively holding over 50% market share.

Poland experienced the most substantial growth, up by 80.6% over 2023, securing the fourth position.

The month also marked the transition from Air Malta to KM Malta Airlines after 50 years of service. Air Malta’s final flight arrived on March 31st, followed by the inaugural KM Malta Airlines departure. Additionally, Universal Air commenced operations from Malta International Airport towards the end of March, further enhancing the airport’s connectivity.

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Strong Performance By Malta Despite 0-2 Loss Against Portugal

Apr 10 2024

In the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier, Portugal defeated Malta with two second-half goals, overcoming a spirited performance by Malta in front of a record attendance of 1,026 spectators.

Despite Malta’s resilient display, Portugal’s victory solidifies their top position in the League B group with six points from two matches. Malta, currently third in the group with one point, will focus on upcoming matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In this match, Malta’s coach Manuela Tesse made tactical changes, with Valentina Rapa replacing injured captain Emma Lipman, while Kailey Willis led the attack alongside Haley Bugeja and Maria Farrugia.

For Willis, this was her 10th appearance for the national team. Portugal, under Italian coach Tesse, also made adjustments, including goalkeeper Ines Pereira and a frontline featuring Jessica Silva and Diana Silva, supported by youngster Kika Nazareth.

The match saw several close opportunities, including a penalty conversion by Carole Costa for Portugal. Despite a brave effort, Malta’s goalkeeper Janice Xuereb suffered an injury, replaced by Patricia Ebejer. Portugal sealed their victory with a goal by substitute Ana Capeta, securing a dominant performance in the qualifier.

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Court: Quail Spring Hunting Season To Open Wednesday

Apr 9 2024

The spring hunting season for quail is set to commence on Wednesday despite BirdLife’s last-minute attempt to halt it being rejected by the courts.

Following the dismissal of BirdLife’s injunction, the government swiftly announced a legal notice opening the season, with a national quota of 2,400 quails permitted to be hunted.

The hunting of quail will be permitted from two hours before sunrise until noon, running until April 30. Additionally, a separate notice will allow the hunting of 1,500 turtledoves from April 17 to April 30.

The court’s decision to deny the injunction was based on BirdLife’s history of unsuccessful attempts to block spring hunting in previous years. Judge Francesco Depasquale ruled that there were no new circumstances to justify upholding the request, accusing BirdLife of “forum shopping” by seeking different outcomes from various judges.

The court also criticized BirdLife for not addressing the matter before a more informed court that had previously dealt with similar cases.

Furthermore, the court expressed skepticism regarding BirdLife’s claims about the decline in turtle dove populations, questioning the link between hunting and population decline given Malta’s limited size and the short duration of the hunting season.

In response to these developments, hunting group Kaċċaturi San Ubertu (KSU) condemned BirdLife’s actions as “extremist,” emphasizing Malta’s legal right to conduct spring hunting under European law, as endorsed by a 2015 referendum and the government’s electoral mandate.

They criticized BirdLife for persisting in legal challenges despite previous court decisions and public referenda upholding the practice of spring hunting.

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Falsely Jailed Indian Man Offered Work Chance By Identita

Apr 9 2024

An Indian man who lost his job while unjustly imprisoned on dismissed charges has received a regulatory opportunity after being flagged for an “irregular immigration situation” by Identità.

Times of Malta reported how after media attention and appeals by activist Patricia Graham, the principal immigration officer granted Dasari Saiteja a few days to apply for a single work permit at Identità through a one-time concession.

“I’m feeling much better now because I can apply and begin my process again now,” said the 25-year-old Saiteja in response to the lifeline.

Saiteja endured 50 days in preventive custody after being falsely accused of submitting forged lease agreements to the immigration agency by Identità. He and a fellow countryman were acquitted in March when it was discovered that his agent was responsible for the forgery.

During his imprisonment, Saiteja’s employer, QK Services, terminated his employment due to his absence from work. Consequently, when Saiteja sought a new work permit, he was labeled an irregular migrant.

This prompted the immigration officer’s decision to grant Saiteja a 10-day concession to regularize his status.

Reflecting on his challenging experience, Saiteja remarked, “I never expected such things could happen in my life, but I learned big lessons for my life. I’m looking forward to my career and to having success in my life.”

#MaltaDaily