Emirates To Resume Daily Service To Malta

The UAE-based airline’s flights to Malta will return to their pre-pandemic frequency later this year.


Photo: Markus Eigenheer via Flickr

Emirates has announced that its Dubai – Larnaca – Malta route will once again become a daily service, from December 1st, 2022. The flights are currently being operated five times per week, and the increase will bring the frequency back up to pre-pandemic levels.

The flights will continue to be operated by the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, seating a total of 354 – 360 passengers, depending on the configuration. Emirates will offer its First Class product on the route, in addition to Business Class and Economy Class.

Of the airline’s 124 Boeing 777-300ERs, 53 are expected to be retrofitted with the airline’s new Premium Economy Class – it is not yet known if these aircraft will be deployed on the Dubai – Larnaca – Malta route.

Read more: Airbus A380: 15 facts for 15 years of the superjumbo

The flight schedule

Emirates’ flights between Dubai, Larnaca, and Malta run to the following schedule (all times local):

• Flight EK109 – departs Dubai (DXB) at 07:25, arriving in Larnaca (LCA) at 10:00. After a stopover of one hour 15 minutes, the aircraft departs for Malta (MLA) at 11:15, arriving at 13:05
• Flight EK110 – departs Malta at 14:35, arriving in Larnaca at 17:55. The flight departs Larnaca again at 19:10, arriving in Dubai at 00:45 (+1)

Emirates began operating flights to Malta over 24 years ago. Throughout that time, the carrier has operated the Airbus A300, Airbus A310, Airbus A330, and Airbus A340 to the Mediterranean island, before later switching to the Boeing 777.

The airline paused services at the start of the pandemic, and resumed them in July 2021. The frequency has gradually increased since then, reaching the current five per week in July this year. Emirates’ Country Manager for Malta, Paul Fleri Soler, celebrated the increase in frequency, saying,

“Emirates’ operations in Malta have been going strong for more than 24 years. Despite the brief suspension of passenger services at the start of the pandemic, we remained committed to supporting the local community through the transportation of essential air cargo between Malta and other global markets. The return of Emirates’ flight frequency to pre-pandemic levels aligns with our strategy for the growth of the market and our efforts in supporting its tourism recovery.”

Fifth freedom

Emirates enjoys fifth freedom rights to transport passengers solely between Malta and Larnaca, offering a unique opportunity to experience the airline’s industry-leading service on a short hop across the Mediterranean Sea. Other fifth freedom routes currently in the Emirates network include Athens (ATH) to Newark (EWR) and Malé (MLE) to Colombo (CMB).

The increase in frequency not only provides greater choice and flexibility to passengers, but the islands of Malta and Cyprus will also benefit from increased trade links thanks to the higher cargo capacity.