Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha to Malta landed at Malta International Airport on Tuesday, marking the launch of the airline’s newest gateway to Europe.

Operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, flight QR383 was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival at the historic Mediterranean island’s international airport.

This was followed by a welcome ceremony attended by Qatar’s charge d'affaires to Malta, Abdulla Khalid A A al-Derham; Malta’s Minister of Tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi; and Qatar Airways senior vice-president Europe, Sylvain Bosc.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, HE Akbar al-Baker, said: “We are delighted to launch direct services to Malta, the latest addition to Qatar Airways’ rapidly expanding European network. Set against the incredible backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta, with its stunning natural attractions and breathtaking architecture, is one of Europe’s most historic and culturally significant destinations.

“With the flexibility of seasonal daily flights in summer, and four-times-weekly services in winter, we look forward to welcoming business and leisure travellers alike on board so that they may experience this charming destination for themselves.”

Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg, said: “We are delighted to welcome this award-winning flag carrier to our airline family and to grow our route network further with the addition of Doha.

“The convenient flight schedule which will be operated by Qatar Airways throughout the year, will certainly strengthen our connections to the rest of the world and allow tourists from new markets outside Europe to discover Malta’s rich history, unique traditions and spectacular underwater world.”

The new direct services to Malta will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class. As well as enjoying the award-winning in-flight service on board, passengers travelling to Malta will also have access to Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system, offering the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more.

Malta is the third new destination to be introduced by the airline this summer following the launch of flights to Izmir, Turkey, and Rabat, Morocco, in May; with Davao, the Philippines, and Lisbon, Portugal, joining the network later in June; followed by Mogadishu, Somalia, on 1 July; and Langkawi, Malaysia, on October 15.

A multiple-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport to more than 160 destinations worldwide.

Current Flight Schedule: Doha (DOH) to Malta (MLA) QR381 departs 1.25am, arrives 6.45am (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun).

Malta (MLA) to Doha (DOH) QR382 departs 9.20am, arrives 3.55pm (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun).

Doha (DOH) to Malta (MLA) QR383 departs 8.05am, arrives 1.25pm (Tues, Thurs, Sat).

Malta (MLA) to Doha (DOH) QR384 departs 5.45pm arrives 12.20am the next day (Tues, Thurs, Sat).

Related Story