Flights to Malta are set to be suspended as from Saturday, according to a notice to airmen.

The government is still to officially announce the decision, but MIA said in a statement that airspace will be closed as from Saturday.

The notice was published last night based on a decision by the health authorities. The decision was made to help limit and control the spread of Coronavirus in Malta.

The suspension is set to start at midnight on Friday (21 March) and so far concludes on 11 April.

The ban does not apply to ferry flights, cargo flights, humanitarian flights and repatriation flights. Maltese authorities may also, in special cases, exempt individual flights.

Last Monday, Prime Minister Robert Abela gave an indication that this was going to happen when he urged Maltese abroad to return hom as soon as possible and told foreigners not based in Malta to also return to their country.

Last week travel to and from Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland and Spain was suspended.

A 14-day mandatory quarantine was imposed on arriving travellers from all countries.

With the authorities having announced the closure of the Maltese airspace as of 20 March 2020 23:59, Malta International Airport appealed to passengers who were planning on travelling in the coming days to contact their respective airlines for more information about their flights. Airline contact details may be found at this link here: https://www.maltairport.com/passenger/flights-landing/airlines/.
 
As of 21 March 2020, Malta International Airport will remain operational to facilitate the arrival and departure of cargo, humanitarian, and ferry flights until further notice, MIA said.

The company requested people to refrain from visiting the airport unless they are travelling in order to limit crowding and allow for social distancing to be observed, and help the company in its efforts to safeguard the well-being of travelling guests and airport employees, which remains its priority.
 
“Saturday will be a dark day for the local aviation industry and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure the industry’s growth and success over the past years. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for us to work together with government and all industry players to see the local aviation industry through these trying times,” said Malta International Airport CEO Mr Alan Borg.  

On order of the Malta’s Health Authorities Following a decision by the Maltese Health Authorities, Malta is banning all commercial travel to Malta for flights departing after 2359UTC on Friday 20th March, until further notice.

This measure was taken to contain the spread of the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. The ban does not apply to ferry, cargo and humanitarian and repatriation or special flights. Air Malta shall operate such flights as directed by the Government of Malta.

Air Malta customers affected by this ban have the following options

1) Maltese Nationals affected from this travel ban and who are currently outside Malta need to contact the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs Office. Residents can contact this office on +356 22042200 or by email on [email protected]. The Ministry will be organising repatriation flights.

2) Non-Maltese Nationals need to contact their respective Embassies.

3) Customers who were to start their trip within the next 48 hours and have queries about their tickets can contact the Airline’s call centre on +356 25991230.

4) Customers who will not be travelling within the next 48 hours and all other passengers that require refunds can send an email to [email protected].

Air Malta will keep its customers updated through its website www.airmalta.com and social media channels including www.facebook.com/AirMalta/.