This afternoon, Malta International Airport welcomed the first flight operated by Czech Airlines from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport to Malta, with the traditional water salute. Czech Airlines is Malta International Airport’s third, new airline for 2016 and will be connecting the Maltese islands with the Czech capital on Tuesdays and Saturdays this summer.

Founded in 1923, Czech Airlines is the Czech Republic’s flag carrier and also one of the five oldest airlines in the world.

In welcoming Czech Airlines, MIA CEO Alan Borg said: “It is always a privilege to welcome new carriers to our Islands, and the start of Czech Airlines’ operations to and from Malta encourages us to persist in our efforts to strengthen the link between Malta and the Eastern European market.”

Czech Airlines’ Director for Commerce and Marketing, Ján Tóth, said, “I am very pleased that our intention to renew a regular connection between Malta and Prague, which we officially announced at the beginning of December, materialised today. As from today, passengers from both countries can enjoy to the full the benefits of a direct, scheduled connection with Czech Airlines between one of the world´s most beautiful cities, Prague, and the great holiday destination, Malta.”

Minister for tourism, Dr Edward Zammit Lewis, commended all tourism stakeholders, including Malta International Airport, for their relentless drive to develop Malta into a key tourism and business hub, and re-affirmed that air connectivity is a crucial point of the Government’s strategy for the tourism sector.

On his part, Malta Tourism Authority Deputy CEO and Chief Officer of Strategic Development, Mr Leslie Vella welcomed Czech Airlines’ decision to add Malta to its summer schedule.  He added, “Malta has witnessed strong growth from a number of Central and Eastern European markets over recent years, and the fact that connectivity between Malta and the Czech Republic will now be improving thanks to this new service, points to excellent prospects for Czech tourism to Malta in the coming years.”