As you sit at the departure gate of Malta International Airport, ready to jet off to Dubai or Beirut, you might have noticed something unusual lately. Air France flights to the Middle East have been suspiciously absent. But why? And more importantly, what does this mean for Maltese travellers?

A Sudden Silence from Air France

In late March, Air France announced it was suspending all flights to and from the Middle East until further notice. This includes popular routes from Malta to Dubai, Beirut, and Tel Aviv. The reason? A combination of low demand due to the pandemic and operational challenges in the region.

The Ripple Effect on Maltese Travellers

For Maltese travellers, this suspension comes as a blow. The Middle East has long been a popular destination for Maltese holidaymakers and businesspeople alike. According to the Maltese National Statistics Office, over 17,000 Maltese residents visited the United Arab Emirates alone in 2019.

But it’s not just leisure travellers who are affected. Many Maltese businesses have strong ties with the Middle East, and the suspension of flights has made it more challenging for professionals to maintain these connections.

“We’ve had to get creative,” says Mark Xuereb, CEO of a Maltese tech company with clients in Dubai. “Video calls are great, but there’s no substitute for face-to-face meetings.”

Alternatives Take Flight

With Air France out of the picture, other airlines have stepped in to fill the void. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines have all increased their services to Malta, offering more options for travellers.

Maltese travel agencies have been quick to adapt. “We’ve seen a surge in bookings with other airlines,” says Maria Grech, owner of a popular local travel agency. “Travellers might have to adjust their plans a bit, but they’re not letting this stop them.”

And what about Air France? when they’ll resume their Middle East flights. But for now, Maltese travellers are making the most of the alternatives and counting down the days until they can jet off to the sun again.

“I miss the Middle East, and I miss flying Air France. But I’m not going to let this stop me from doing business. I’ll be back as soon as they are.”