Malta’s Silent Skies: The War We’re Watching

Every evening, as the sun dips below the Mediterranean, Malta’s skies transform into a canvas of vibrant hues. Yet, lately, something’s missing. The usual hum of aircraft, the distant roar of jets, the familiar contrails crisscrossing the blue – they’ve all but vanished. Welcome to the war we’re watching, not from our TV screens, but from our balconies and rooftops.

The Ukraine Factor

Malta, with its strategic location, has always been a crossroads for global aviation. But since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our skies have grown eerily quiet. Russian airlines, once a regular sight, have disappeared. Ukrainian carriers, too, have been grounded, their planes now fighting a different battle.

In February, as the conflict escalated, Malta International Airport (MIA) saw a sudden drop in traffic. Flights to and from Russia and Ukraine were suspended. The usually bustling airport fell silent, a stark reminder of the distant storm.

Local Impact: From Skies to Streets

The quiet above has a ripple effect below. Malta’s aviation industry, though small, felt the pinch. Air Malta, our national carrier, suspended flights to Russia. Local businesses, from catering services to ground handling, saw a dip in revenue. Even the airport’s duty-free shops felt the impact.

But it’s not just the aviation industry. The war’s echoes can be heard in our streets too. The Russian community in Malta, though small, has been affected. Some have left, others struggle with the uncertainty. Local businesses catering to Russian tourists have seen a drop in customers.

And then there are the refugees. While Malta hasn’t seen a direct influx, the war has reignited debates about our role in the refugee crisis. As Europe grapples with the fallout, Malta watches, waiting, wondering what’s next.

Watching and Waiting

So, we watch our skies, now empty save for the occasional military jet. We watch the news, the refugee boats, the diplomatic dance. We wait, like the rest of the world, for this war to end. Because until it does, our skies will remain silent, our streets a little quieter, and the war we’re watching will continue, unseen but ever-present.

As Maltese, we’re used to being at the crossroads. But this time, the crossroads are empty. And so, we wait, under our silent skies, for the world to turn again.