More routes offered to low-cost airlines

Flying to Spain could soon cost next to nothing after the government yesterday issued a call for proposals from low-cost carriers to operate new and under-served routes to Malta.

The government is opening up the possibility for low-cost airlines to operate from Bari, Italy; Bremen, Germany; any airport in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal); and any airport in Scandinavia.

Contacted for his comments, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said the call follows consultations with all the stakeholders.

"This is an important breakthrough and will mean a greater momentum of growth in tourism that will be maintained throughout this year and the next," he said.

The government had already made contact with potential low-cost airlines that have expressed interest in these routes. "We are hoping that at least three of the routes will be taken up - Spain, Stockholm and Bremen are among the likely choices," he said.

"We are satisfied that the government's policy on low-cost airlines is reaping results. Now, our responsibility is to sustain the momentum in line with favouring the tourism industry, the national economy and striking a balance with all the players in the industry," he said.

At present there are three low-cost airlines operating to Malta. Ryanair, which flies to Luton, Pisa and Dublin, is this year expected to bring over 90,000 passengers, while the Italian airline Meridiana plans to fly over a further 6,000.

Germanwings became the third low-cost airline that last week announced its plans to fly to Malta all year round and is expected to bring in about 13,000 visitors this year.

The call for proposals will be posted today on the Department of Information's website - www.doi.gov.mt - and will also be published in Friday's Malta Government Gazette and advertised in international magazines and websites. The call is open until May 25.