Air Malta celebrated it’s first day back on Thursday, flying almost 1,000 passengers to and from Malta, after an over three-month hiatus forced upon it by COVID-19.

“Along with other tourism stakeholders Air Malta on Thursday celebrated its return to commercial aviation. It was an important milestone for all those employees, their families and businesses who depend on this industry for their livelihood,” the airline said in a statement to this website.

It also noted that while bookings were gradually rising, it was “too early to comment” about what the future held, or how the market has changed. 

It also urged its customers to be at the airport two and a half hours before departure to allow for enough time to check-in and board. It said only handbags, man bags and laptop bags are being allowed onboard the flights, while other hand luggage will go into the cargo hold at no extra cost. 

“Tourism contributes to around 30% of our GDP and after over three months of having its aircraft grounded the Airline was happy to be back in the air and continue contributing to the economic wellbeing of the Maltese Islands’ residents,” it said.

For more information on procedures adopted by Air Malta in the wake of the pandemic, please visit the airline’s official website. 

Malta International Airport reopened on 1st July to countries on a designated safe list, while on 15th July it will reopen to all.