Published on
October 11, 2025
Malta International Airport (MIA) launched three new direct winter routes to Tirana, Albania; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Gothenburg, Sweden. These new additions enhance the travel possibilities for Maltese holiday-makers, who can easily access both coastal and cultural holiday experiences around Europe.
The airport noted that Albania’s Adriatic coast is a desirable addition for visitors looking for less well-trodden areas to visit, complementing Malta’s appeal beyond popular European destinations. The routes also underpin Malta’s wider policy of air connectivity diversification and consolidating its position as a regional aviation hub.
Details of the Malta-Tirana Route
The first Malta-Tirana flight will operate on Saturday, October 14, 2025, with three weekly departures on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Wizz Air will operate the route, providing competitive fares for travelers, with one-way tickets starting at approximately €150, while flights at the end of October are available for around €70. Return fares remain in a similar range, offering flexibility for both leisure and business travelers.
This route opens opportunities for cultural tourism in Albania, allowing Maltese visitors to explore historic cities, the Albanian Riviera, and local culinary traditions. It also supports the growing tourism market in Albania, which represents around 8% of the country’s economy, by encouraging international visitation.
Palma de Mallorca and Gothenburg: Expanding Options for Winter Travelers
The other two winter routes will be operated by Ryanair. Palma de Mallorca provides access to Spain’s Balearic Islands, a popular destination for beach holidays, while Gothenburg offers travelers a mix of Scandinavian culture, architecture, and natural landscapes. These additions reflect MIA’s commitment to expanding Malta’s tourism network and providing travelers with diverse experiences beyond the Mediterranean basin.
By offering multiple European destinations, MIA ensures that Maltese travelers have competitive choices for winter travel, accommodating both sun-seekers and cultural tourists.
Winter Schedule 2025–2026 Highlights
The airport released its October–March 2026 schedule, featuring a robust network of 86 destinations served by 23 partner airlines. Notably, SAS Scandinavian Airlines will extend its Copenhagen route into the shoulder months, previously operated only during summer. This move is designed to meet year-round travel demand and increase connectivity during traditionally slower periods.
The schedule reflects MIA’s commitment to enhancing international accessibility and supporting the growth of inbound and outbound tourism from Malta.
Passenger Traffic and Operational Performance
Malta International Airport recorded 990,556 passengers passing through its terminal in September 2025, reflecting a strong rebound in air travel demand. Aircraft movements reached 6,013, with seat capacity increasing by 9.9% year-on-year, demonstrating sustained growth in flight operations.
The airport maintained an average seat load factor of 90.7%, indicating strong utilization across its network. High occupancy levels reflect resilient demand for Malta’s air connections and underline the success of its expanding route network.
Boosting Tourism Through Enhanced Air Connectivity
The addition of Tirana, Palma de Mallorca, and Gothenburg supports Malta’s wider tourism strategy by encouraging both domestic and international travel. New routes facilitate holiday travel, cultural exploration, and short-break tourism, attracting European visitors to and from Malta while providing locals with more options for winter vacations.
Enhanced connectivity also benefits the hospitality and service sectors in Malta and partner destinations. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist services in Albania, Spain, and Sweden are expected to see a rise in bookings and tourist spending as a result of these new direct flights.
Economic Impact of the Winter Flight Network
By expanding its route network, MIA contributes to the economic growth of Malta’s tourism industry. Increased air traffic supports jobs in the airport, transportation, tourism, and hospitality sectors, while generating additional revenue from ticket sales, airport fees, and ancillary services.
The new routes also help promote Malta internationally, positioning it as a strategic hub in Europe with easy access to multiple destinations. This strengthens Malta’s tourism economy, encourages repeat visits, and helps sustain year-round travel activity.
Cultural and Leisure Opportunities for Maltese Travelers
The winter routes provide diverse tourism experiences. Tirana offers cultural tours, local cuisine, and historical sites; Palma de Mallorca caters to beach and leisure holidays; and Gothenburg allows travelers to enjoy Scandinavian architecture, museums, and natural landscapes.
These flights also encourage cross-cultural exchange and leisure tourism, fostering stronger tourism links between Malta and other European destinations. Passengers can now plan short trips or extended holidays with ease, boosting the overall attractiveness of Malta as a travel hub.
Malta Airport Strengthens European Connectivity
The introduction of new direct services to Tirana, Palma de Mallorca, and Gothenburg for winter 2025/2026 is an expression of Malta International Airport’s determination to develop connectivity, facilitate tourism development, and improve the passenger experience.
With increasing passenger traffic, high load factors, and heightened interest from European tourists, Malta remains a strategic gateway in the region. The broader winter network not only enhances travelers with variety of destinations but also enhances Malta’s economic and cultural interlinking with other nations in Europe.
