Air Malta celebrates new routes

Last weekend Air Malta started its much-anticipated flights between Malta to London Southend, Malta to Cagliari and flights between London Southend, Catania and Cagliari Airports. Air Malta will continue to operate these routes in winter 2018/9.

The Maltese airline started operating a twice-weekly flight to Cagliari in Sardinia every Wednesday and Sunday, a twice-weekly flight to Catania every Monday and Thursday and three times weekly to Malta every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Customers travelling to/from London Southend can also opt to travel via Catania or Cagliari thus connecting Malta and London Southend with a daily flight.

During an event at London Southend Airport Joseph Galea, Air Malta’s acting chief Executive stated: “We are delighted to launch our services from London Southend. This is not only a milestone for the airline, but it represents as well a strong commitment by Air Malta to better connect the Mediterranean region to major European gateways. Air Malta is following a growth strategy, expanding its operations with over 4,000 new sectors this year. Over the last six months we have launched 19 new routes some of which are not only connecting Malta to new destinations but are also offering intra-European services like Catania – Vienna and now London Southend – Catania and London Southend – Cagliari. We are aiming to continue expanding our operations as we become the Airline of the Mediterranean.

Glyn Jones, chief Executive officer of Stobart Aviation, owners of London Southend Airport said: “We’re delighted to welcome Air Malta to London Southend – the UK capital’s best and fastest growing airport. With our multi-award winning facilities offering the strategic advantages and capacity that airlines want, fast and frequent train services to London, market-leading record for punctuality and a unique customer service that our passengers love, we look forward to providing an excellent service to passengers wanting to explore Malta, Sicily and Sardinia.

Minister for Tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi commented: “This is a significant milestone for Air Malta and a further important step towards its growth. Over the last nine months the airline has increased its capacity by adding new aircraft to its fleet while planning to carry more passengers this year. As a government we fully support its strategy since we believe that it is an important pillar for our economy.”

Catania is the second largest city of Sicily and it is located on the east coast of this Italian island, making it possible to witness impeccable views of the crystalline blue Ionian Sea. Situated just beneath the towering and outrageously magnificent Mount Etna, the city offers travellers the possibility to immerse themselves in the culture and history of this splendid place. Stroll through the main square known as Piazza Duomo, which was designed by the commendable architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini and admire the striking Baroque style. Visit the Duomo – the cathedral dedicated to Catania’s patron St Agatha and the Badìa di Sant’Agata, another impressive structure which contributes to the grandness of the square.

Furthermore, at the very centre of the piazza one cannot miss the city’s symbolic monument Fontana dell’Elefante, which is a lava elephant fountain carrying an obelisk and bearing an inscription.

The city is dotted with interesting historical landmarks but the old fortress of Castello Ursino should definitely not be missed. The fish market, La Pescheria is considered as an iconic cultural attraction in Catania, and whether you like fish or not it’s well worth a walk around.

Apart from street markets, Catania is also home to countless craftsmen, artists and small businesses. The city is renowned for signature culinary delights such as the popular dish pasta a la Norma, Arancini di riso and Cannoli di ricotta.

Cagliari, the capital city of the Island of Sardinia is an ancient municipal that has been home to various civilizations. Visit the main historical district of Castello in Cagliari, which was founded by the Pisans in the 13th century and is set around a fortress surrounded by walls, towers and bastions. Wandering through the charming streets and passages of Castello can only be defined as a unique experience that will take any traveller back in time. The imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria on Piazza Palazzo should not be missed. A number of splendid domes and towers dominate the city scape of this beautiful medieval citadel.

Castello is also regarded as home to a great number of museums such as the Archaeological Museum, The National Picture Gallery and Museum of Oriental Art. Customers are able to book flights through any travel agent in Italy, the UK and Malta, www.airmalta.com, online travel agents, and by calling Air Malta’s Call Centre on +356 2166 2211 from Malta, 0207 660 0543 from the UK and 199 259 103 from Italy. Call charges may apply.