In a statement issued yesterday by the Department of Information (DOI), the Government of Malta called for proposals from low cost airlines to operate new and undeserved routes to Malta.

The call is set upon opening the possibility for low cost airlines to operate to Malta from Luton, the Republic of Ireland, Pisa and Mulhouse-Basel.

In line with European Commission guidelines, the statement said, financial aid will be provided for start-up costs incurred in operating these routes and will be provided for a maximum period of five years. Financial aid given to the whole initiative will be awarded subject to the approval of the European Commission.

The call for proposals will be published today on www.doi.gov.mt, in the Malta Government Gazette of Tuesday 25 July and will be advertised in international airline magazines and websites. The call will be open until 25 August.

The statement said that similar calls for additional routes are to be expected in the future.