Malta International Airport will be directly connected to New York’s JFK from June 2026, with Delta Air Lines operating three weekly flights through October.

The Ministry for Tourism said the new transatlantic route will not only improve accessibility but also strengthen cultural and economic ties between Malta and the United States.

Industry leaders have hailed the announcement as a game-changer. The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) called it a “historic step forward,” addressing a long-standing connectivity gap, while the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) described it as a milestone for global links and a new connection for Maltese communities abroad.

Both associations highlighted that North American travellers typically stay longer, spend more, and seek cultural and authentic experiences – factors expected to boost high-value tourism and create opportunities for investment in hospitality, events, and niche markets.

In line with this strategy, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) will reallocate funds previously used for summer music festivals to promote cultural tourism, including heritage, religious, culinary, and art-focused experiences.

The shift is designed to attract long-haul, high-spending visitors and enhance Malta’s reputation as a premium Mediterranean destination.

The combination of improved connectivity and a targeted cultural tourism approach is expected to open new avenues for investment across Malta’s tourism and hospitality sectors, reinforcing the island nation’s competitiveness on the international stage.