Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-fares airline, yesterday welcomed the news that Maltese visitor numbers have shown a strong increase since the arrival of Ryanair on 31 October. November traffic at Malta airport had increased by 5.5 per cent, thanks to Ryanair’s new low-fare routes from Pisa and London.

Speaking yesterday, Ryanair sales and marketing manager for Southern Europe Bridget Dowling said: “During the first month of operations, Ryanair sold over 15,000 seats on its new routes from Pisa and London to Malta. This success from just two routes shows that low fares and competition are the answer to reviving the Maltese tourism industry. Ryanair’s low fares and competition have transformed the market and we look forward to the addition of our Dublin route in February which will bring even greater benefits to the island.

“Flights to all three of Ryanair’s destinations start from just e2.49 one-way (excluding taxes),” she said.