Ryanair Announces Record Malta Expansion with 9th Based Aircraft

Ryanair has confirmed a major expansion of its Malta operations for Summer 2026, maintaining its ninth based aircraft and launching four new routes to Gothenburg, Newcastle, Palma and Tirana, bringing its total Malta network to 70 routes. 

The record summer schedule represents a $900 million investment and is expected to grow Ryanair's Malta traffic by 20 per cent to six million passengers annually, supporting over 4,700 local jobs, including 30 new positions for pilots and cabin crew. Increased frequencies will also be introduced on more than 40 existing routes, including services to Milan, Vienna, London, Krakow, Zagreb, Madrid, Dublin and Bratislava. 

The announcement marks the latest chapter in a deepening relationship between Ryanair and Malta that has transformed the country's aviation landscape. Since its first flight to Malta in 2006, the airline has carried tens of millions of passengers and in 2019 acquired Malta Air, establishing a fully-fledged Maltese subsidiary. Ryanair has since become the sole owner of Malta Air, which now operates a substantial fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft across Europe under a Maltese Air Operator's Certificate, cementing Malta's credentials as a growing aviation hub. 

Recent investments have further reinforced that commitment, including a state-of-the-art hangar maintenance facility at Malta International Airport, part of a broader €20 million heavy maintenance project, and the doubling of Malta Air's head office in Pietà to 700 square metres. 

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said: “As Malta's No.1 airline, Ryanair is pleased to add a 9th based aircraft in Malta for Summer 2026 - a $900m investment in Malta tourism, generating over 30 new direct jobs.” He added that continued growth in low-cost connectivity was vital to driving year-round visitor access and supporting local employment. 

To mark the announcement, Ryanair launched a three-day seat sale with fares from €29.99, available on the Ryanair app.