VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is set to strengthen its air connections with other continents, with Qatar Airways confirming its return to the island in March 2027 and negotiations underway to reinstate direct flights to New York, Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced.
Speaking in Parliament, Abela said the developments would improve Malta’s international connectivity and provide passengers with greater access to destinations across the globe.
Qatar Airways’ return will reconnect Malta to its extensive international network through its Doha hub, offering onward connections to destinations including Australia, Japan, China, India and the Philippines.
The airline previously operated four weekly flights between Malta and Doha before the route was affected by disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East in 2026.
Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing with Delta Air Lines to bring back direct flights between Malta and New York’s JFK Airport in 2027.
Delta launched the route in June 2026, operating three weekly flights. Government figures showed an average seat occupancy rate of 84% up to 21 September.
Abela had also met Delta Air Lines Vice President Scott Jordan in New York in September to discuss extending the service into 2027. However, Delta has yet to officially confirm whether the route will return next year.
– photo MTA –
(ITALPRESS).
