Air France’s Middle East Woes: What It Means for Maltese Travellers

If you’re a Maltese traveller with plans to fly Air France to the Middle East, you might want to hold off on packing just yet. The French airline has extended its flight suspensions to the region, leaving many wondering what this means for their travel plans.

Suspensions Extended Until October

Air France has announced that it’s extending its flight suspensions to and from several Middle Eastern countries until at least October 2nd. This includes popular destinations for Maltese travellers like Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. The suspensions were initially put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic but have been extended due to ongoing political instability and security concerns.

For Maltese travellers, this means that flights to these destinations via Air France will remain grounded for the foreseeable future. This includes popular routes like Paris-Beirut and Paris-Cairo. If you’re planning to visit family, explore ancient ruins, or indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine, you’ll have to look for alternative airlines or wait for Air France’s suspension to lift.

Alternatives for Maltese Travellers

So, what are your options if you’re desperate to visit the Middle East? Fortunately, there are still several airlines operating flights from Malta International Airport to the region. Here are a few alternatives:

• Emirates: The Dubai-based airline operates daily flights to Dubai from Malta. From there, you can connect to several Middle Eastern destinations.
• EgyptAir: The national airline of Egypt operates direct flights from Malta to Cairo. From there, you can connect to other destinations in the region.
• Royal Jordanian: The Jordanian airline operates flights from Malta to Amman via Rome. From Amman, you can connect to other destinations in the Middle East.

While these alternatives might add a bit of complexity to your travel plans, they do offer a way to reach your destination. Just be sure to check the latest travel advice from the Maltese government before you book your tickets.

Impact on Maltese Tourism and Trade

Beyond the inconvenience to travellers, Air France’s flight suspensions also have implications for Maltese tourism and trade. The Middle East is a significant source market for Maltese tourism, with thousands of visitors from the region flocking to our islands each year. The suspension of flights could lead to a decrease in tourist arrivals from the Middle East, impacting local businesses that rely on tourism for their livelihood.

On the trade front, Malta’s exports to the Middle East totalled €154 million in 2019. The suspension of flights could disrupt supply chains and make it more difficult for Maltese businesses to export their goods to the region. This could have knock-on effects on the Maltese economy, particularly for businesses that rely on exports for their survival.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The suspension of Air France flights could provide an opportunity for other airlines to increase their market share in Malta. It could also encourage Maltese businesses to explore new markets and diversify their export destinations.

As for Air France, the airline has been grappling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations. The extension of flight suspensions to the Middle East is just the latest in a series of challenges the airline has faced in recent months. The airline has been working to adapt its business model to the new reality of the pandemic, including reducing its fleet size and adjusting its route network.

For Maltese travellers, the extension of Air France’s flight suspensions to the Middle East is a reminder that travel plans can change at a moment’s notice. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan and to stay informed about the latest travel advice from the Maltese government.

So, what does the future hold for Maltese travellers eager to explore the Middle East? . But one thing is for sure: the travel scene is changing, and we all need to be prepared to adapt.