Malta’s authorities are planning to re-open the airport to passengers by mid-July, with significantly reduced air routes, according to a media report.

The Times of Malta cites multiple sources as saying the Malta International Airport (MIA) is expected to be given the green-light to re-start commercial flights by mid-July. A commercial travel ban has recently been extended to last until 15th June.

Questions were raised after this latest extension covered an extra fortnight, rather than the whole month of June. Malta’s airport was shut down on 21st March with a ban initially set till end April. This was extended to end May, and now till mid-June.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) President Tony Zahra, and business owners in the tourism industry have warned of the consequences should Malta’s airport remain shut.

The tourism industry is currently being propped up by the Government COVID-19 wage subsidy, as well as other state benefits aimed at helping businesses weather the storm.