Ryanair yesterday announced that it carried more than 40,000 passengers from and to Malta in July, a 116 per cent increase when compared to July last year.

In order "to celebrate this success", the airline released two million seats for travel in October for just €5 one-way (including taxes and charges). These tickets can be booked only on www.ryanair.com up to this Sunday. However, according to Ryanair's website, from Malta this €5 offer is only valid for flights to and from Barcelona, Valencia and Venice. The airline said the two million seat sale is the latest step in Ryanair's fight against high fare, fuel surcharging airlines.

"Only Ryanair guarantees the lowest fares and no fuel surcharge this winter while others such as Air Malta, Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa continue to raise fares and fuel surcharges," it said.

Ryanair's Alessia Viviani said the airline had made a vital impact on the Maltese economy. "Ryanair is confident that this significant growth will remain strong as Ryanair guarantees the lowest fares and no fuel surcharge ever."

She said Ryanair strongly advises all passengers to book these €5 seats directly on Ryanair.com to avoid hidden fees of double or treble Ryanair's low price. Ryanair will cancel "any bookings made illegally through these unlawful ticket tout websites".