Direct Malta-New York flights unlock ‘exciting business opportunities’ – Airport CEO

The launch of direct flights between Malta and New York by Delta Air Lines will unlock exciting opportunities for business and tourism, according to Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg.

“Linking our islands directly with the Big Apple opens exciting opportunities for tourism and business between Malta and the US, while further showcasing Malta’s attractiveness as a vibrant, year-round destination,” he said.

Describing it as a “historic milestone”, Mr Borg said that as the first scheduled transatlantic service from Malta operated by a US carrier, this development strengthens the country’s route network and significantly widens global reach.

Direct flights between Malta International Airport and New York’s JFK, operated by Delta Air Lines, will begin in June 2026, with an initial schedule of three weekly services running through October.

As part of a broader strategy, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) will redirect funds previously allocated for summer music festivals to promote cultural tourism, with a focus on heritage, religious, culinary, and art-based experiences.

Industry leaders have welcomed the development as a transformative step for both tourism and investment.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) described the route as a “historic step forward,” noting that American visitors are high-spending, culture-seeking travellers who tend to stay longer, an ideal fit for Malta’s high-value tourism strategy.

Similarly, the Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) highlighted the route as a milestone in global connectivity that will build on recent growth in arrivals from North America, while also serving as a valuable link for Maltese communities abroad.