Ryanair yesterday launched a new route between Malta and Venice, using Treviso airport.

Bridget Dowling, the low-cost airline's sales and marketing manager for Southern Europe, said that Ryanair is "delighted to have launched (it's) eighth route from Malta".

Ryanair, Europe's leading low-cost airline, already boasts 7,000 bookings on this route and is expected to fly 40,000 passengers a year on three weekly scheduled services. This route brings the total number of expected passengers flying Ryanair to and from the island to a staggering 350,000 every year. Many of Ryanair's flights into Malta have high passenger load factors, up to 90 per cent in some cases, the airline says.

"There is now a wide variety of Ryanair routes from Malta and passengers can explore Dublin, London, Pisa, Barcelona, Bremen, Stockholm, Valencia and now Venice while taking advantage of Europe's lowest fares and number one customer service. "To celebrate the inaugural flight to Treviso, Venice, Ryanair is selling seats from €10 via www.ryanair.com but passengers are advised to book early as the demand will be exceptional," Miss Dowling said.

The price is for a one-way ticket, including taxes and charges. One can book until midnight on December 20 and travelling must be done between December 28 and March 8. Booking has to be made at least 14 days ahead of the intended departure date.