Published on
October 11, 2025
Albania, Spain, and Sweden are significantly expanding travel options for passengers flying from Malta by introducing new direct flight routes this winter. The addition of these destinations—Tirana, Palma de Mallorca, and Gothenburg—provides travelers with exciting, diverse options for their vacations. Albania, with its emerging tourism market, offers a fresh and unique destination along the Adriatic coastline. Meanwhile, Spain’s Palma de Mallorca and Sweden’s Gothenburg provide established hotspots for those seeking vibrant city life, rich cultural experiences, and beautiful landscapes. These new direct flights, serviced by Wizz Air and Ryanair, make traveling to these countries easier and more convenient, providing both leisure and business travelers with more opportunities to explore new regions in Europe directly from Malta.
The inclusion of Albania in Malta’s growing network of destinations is particularly exciting due to the country’s developing tourism sector. Albania, situated along the Adriatic coast, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers. The country’s Adriatic coastline, in particular, offers beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture, making it an appealing destination for those looking to discover less-traveled locations. This new route provides an exciting opportunity for those flying from Malta to experience Albania’s scenic beauty, historical sites, and unique Mediterranean atmosphere.
The growth of Albania’s tourism sector is not just a benefit for travelers but also for the country’s economy. Currently, tourism accounts for 8% of Albania’s overall economic output. This sector has been expanding in recent years, with increasing numbers of international visitors discovering the country’s charms. The new direct flight from Malta to Tirana is expected to further boost this upward trend by providing more convenient access for tourists from the Mediterranean region.
The first direct flight between Malta and Tirana is scheduled to take off on Saturday, operated by Wizz Air. At the time of writing, one-way ticket prices are averaging around €150, though prices are expected to decrease to approximately €70 as the end of October approaches. Return tickets are similarly priced. This pricing structure is likely to make the new route an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers looking to visit Albania. The flights will operate three times per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing flexible options for those planning a visit.
Alongside the new Tirana route, two other direct routes will begin in October: one to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and another to Gothenburg, Sweden. Both of these routes will be serviced by Ryanair, adding further variety to Malta’s growing list of flight options. Palma de Mallorca is a popular holiday destination known for its beaches, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife, while Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, offers visitors a unique mix of cultural experiences, modern architecture, and natural beauty. These new routes will cater to a wide range of travelers, from those seeking a beach getaway to those looking for a cultural city break.
Malta International Airport recently released its flight schedule for the period from October to March 2026. The schedule features an extensive network of routes to 86 destinations, operated by 23 partner airlines. This robust offering underscores Malta’s status as a key hub for travel in the Mediterranean region. One notable development in this schedule is the extension of SAS Scandinavian Airlines’ Copenhagen route. Previously only available during the summer months, this route will now operate year-round, with flights extending into the shoulder seasons, offering greater flexibility for those wishing to travel between Malta and Denmark.
The airport’s performance in September also highlights a continued upward trend in passenger traffic. A total of 990,556 passengers passed through Malta’s terminals that month, marking a solid recovery in the aviation sector. Aircraft activity reached 6,013 movements, reflecting a 9.9% increase in seat capacity compared to the previous year. Despite the increase in available seats, flights remained nearly full, with an impressive average seat load factor of 90.7%. This indicates that demand for travel to and from Malta remains strong, with high interest in both leisure and business travel.
One of the most notable trends observed at Malta International Airport is the growth in traffic from Poland. The Polish market has emerged as one of the top five source markets for Malta, with 70,529 passengers traveling to or from Polish destinations in September alone. This represents a remarkable 59.4% increase compared to the same month the previous year. The surge in Polish travelers highlights Malta’s growing appeal as a destination for tourists from Eastern Europe, and it is likely that this trend will continue as new routes and destinations are added.
Overall, Malta International Airport is continuing to expand its network of destinations, offering travelers a wide range of options to explore Europe and beyond. With the introduction of new routes to Albania, Spain, and Sweden, as well as the extension of seasonal services, the airport is well-positioned to cater to the increasing demand for air travel and contribute to the growth of Malta’s tourism sector.
