As the sun sets over the Grand Harbour, the usual hum of international flights landing at Malta International Airport is noticeably quieter. Qatar Airways, one of the airport’s major carriers, has put off its plans to resume flights to the island nation. But why, and what does this mean for Maltese travellers?

The Qatar Airways Malta Story So Far

Qatar Airways first announced its intention to resume flights to Malta in late 2021, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Middle Eastern airline had been serving Malta since 2012, with direct flights from Doha to Malta International Airport. The resumption was welcomed by the Maltese government and tourism industry, eager to boost visitor numbers post-pandemic.

Why the Delay?

Qatar Airways initially planned to restart its Malta flights in March 2023. However, the airline has now pushed this date back to October 2023. The reason? A lack of available aircraft, according to a spokesperson for the airline. Qatar Airways, like many airlines, has been grappling with a global shortage of pilots and aircraft technicians, exacerbated by the pandemic.

“We regret any inconvenience caused to our passengers,” the spokesperson said. “We are working hard to resolve these issues and look forward to resuming our flights to Malta as soon as possible.”

What Does This Mean for Maltese Travellers?

For Maltese travellers, the delay means fewer flight options to the Middle East and beyond. Qatar Airways is a popular choice for Maltese travellers due to its extensive global network and convenient flight times. However, other airlines, such as Air Malta and Lufthansa, still offer flights to the Middle East and beyond from Malta.

the delay could also impact Malta’s tourism industry. Qatar Airways’ flights bring in tourists from the Gulf region, who often stay in Malta for several days, boosting the local economy. The Malta Tourism Authority is working to mitigate this impact by promoting other markets, such as the UK and Germany.

“We’re disappointed by the delay, but we’re also realistic,” said a spokesperson for the Malta Tourism Authority. “We’re working to diversify our tourist markets and ensure that Malta remains an attractive destination despite this setback.”

Qatar Airways remains committed to resuming its Malta flights in October 2023. The airline is working to secure the necessary aircraft and crew to make this happen. In the meantime, Maltese travellers can look forward to new flight options from other airlines. Air Malta, for instance, has announced plans to expand its route network in the coming months.

For now, the Grand Harbour continues to welcome ships, not planes, from the Gulf. But come October, the skies over Malta could once again echo with the roar of Qatar Airways jets, ready to take Maltese travellers on their next adventure.