David O'Brien

In a press conference held earlier today, David O'Brien, CEO of Malta Air, which forms part of Ryanair Group, lauded the island’s successful vaccination programme, which he termed “more than twice as good as that of any other EU country”, crediting it with instilling confidence in the gradual restart of air travel to the country this summer.

Making an observation on consumer confidence, he notes, “the knowledge that Malta is heading towards herd immunity must be very reassuring from a passenger’s point of view.”

Revealing that the airline will be introducing five new routes to Italy and one new route to Greece starting this summer, the CEO looks forward to a summer schedule that will see Ryanair operating 155 weekly flights from the island in the peak of the season.

“Malta is doing a great job,” he says, referring to the continued roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine on the island, adding that “the UK travel corridor should be in place for June, and Malta will be among Ryanair’s top 10 destinations in summer 2021.”

“Malta is on track for summer 2021 holidays alongside Ryanair,” Mr O’Brien continues, noting that a recent surge in bookings shows pent-up demand for air travel.  

The CEO also revealed that Malta Air expects delivery of its first “gamechanger” B-8200 in May, which will be the first of six of its type within the airline’s fleet operating to and from the island.

Related

Anaalā

Sawadee Valletta! Iniala brings Thai family-style dining to Malta 

4 September 2026
by Tim Diacono

Led by celebrity chef Ian Kittichai, Anaalā takes diners on a journey across Thailand with four rotating menus.

Deloitte Malta appoints Michael Agius as Director and Deputy Chief Legal Officer

4 September 2026
by Julia Falzon

‘Truly been a privilege to learn and grow within this global organisation,’ says Michael Agius.

Ryan Mahoney joins Bajada Group as Chief Operating Officer

3 September 2026
by Julia Falzon

This comes after more than four years as a General Manager at Bolt Malta.

Ian Zahra appointed as Director of International Tax at Deloitte Malta

3 September 2026
by Julia Falzon

He has been with the company for over six years.