Malta's popular air show flying display will this year shift from the airport to Smart City for yet unclear reasons, but the organisers said they expect a strong commitment this would not happen again.

The static display will still take place at Malta International Airport. However, those wishing to see the planes in full flight will have to make their way to Smart City in Kalkara.

What lies behind the decision is not very clear. Some sources note it was motivated by a long-standing desire to move the flying display away from the country’s sole civil airport. Others, however, told Times of Malta that holding the flying display at MIA was deemed to be too much of a safety risk after 23 people were injured last October during the annual Paqpaqli car show.

The incident happened when a Porsche 918 Spyder crashed into the crowd lining the runway at the airport during a display. A number of the event’s organisers are being charged in court over alleged safety shortcomings.

Although the MIA had nothing to do with the organisation of Paqpaqli, the sources said the negative publicity from the incident put them off hosting this year’s air show.

The reason is unclear: it could be a desire to move the show away from the airport or as a safety measure

The air show, to be held on September 24 and 25, will now be split into two distinct phases. A static display will take place at MIA between 10am and 3.30pm on both days. All aircraft participating at the air show will be part of the static display.

The flying display then starts at 5pm and will take place over Smart City.

The organisers said a one-way system would be operated at Smart City during the air show weekend as directed by the police. Traffic concerns have been raised due to the potential rush of people moving from MIA to Smart City for the aerial display. The organisers said additional travelling time should be factored in due to the volume of traffic expected.

Photo: Chris Sant FournierPhoto: Chris Sant Fournier

Seating area at Smart City for spectators

A special seating area will be set up at Smart City for spectators.

Malta Aviation Society president Joe Ciliberti said when contacted the organisers had been told by Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis that the move to Smart City would only take place for this year. The organisers were happy to comply seeing that the move would only be for one year.

He said unless clear guidance was given about next year’s venue, invitations for the 2017 edition would not be sent out to display teams.

The air show has had various homes since it first started in 1993. Displays have previously been held over Sliema and St Paul’s Bay.

The organisers have, in the past, expressed concerns over displays held over the sea because of the risk of pilot disorientation given they would be facing the sky and the sea. Airfields are generally preferred as they have clearly-defined borders with good markings.

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