Updated 1020
Malta International Airport Launches First US Flights and Expands European Routes: Malta International Airport will strengthen international connectivity this summer with new routes and increased frequencies, including the first direct flights to the US via Delta Air Lines’ three weekly New York services. Northern European links expand with Norwegian flights to Billund, Oslo, and Helsinki, while Ryanair adds Gothenburg. Air Baltic doubles Tallinn services, and WizzAir and Ryanair boost Mediterranean routes, including Tirana. UK connections grow with easyJet to Glasgow and Newcastle and Jet2 to London Gatwick. February traffic reached 658,328 passengers, reflecting rising demand and strong aircraft occupancy amid ongoing monitoring of geopolitical developments. (Newsbook)
Court Orders Auction for St Philip’s Hospital Despite Debt Buyout: The sale of St Philip’s Hospital in Santa Venera will proceed via court-ordered auction, despite developer Carlo Stivala buying the debt owed to HSBC by Frank Portelli’s defunct Golden Shepherd Group. Portelli had sought to delay the sale while Stivala’s Cast Renting Limited took over the company and cleared debts. However, developer Anton Camilleri successfully petitioned the court to reinstate the auction, citing multiple interested bidders. Judge Ian Spiteri Bailey ruled the process must remain transparent, instructing that only bids covering the hospital’s outstanding debts with Stivala be considered. The property has been abandoned for over a decade. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Tax reform to exempt pensions from income tax completed
The government has finalised a major tax reform that will see pensions effectively exempt from income tax. The reform separates pension income from other earnings when calculating tax, meaning additional income such as part-time work or investments will no longer push pensioners into higher tax brackets. Under the new rules, pensions of up to about €37,104, roughly double the maximum social security pension , will be tax-free. Pensioners may also earn up to €12,000 on a single computation or €15,000 on a married computation from other sources before tax applies. The government estimates that around 16,000 pensioners will benefit, with working retirees saving about €3,000 annually. The reform is expected to return roughly €25 million a year to pensioners. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party said the legal notice contradicts statements by Robert Abela suggesting pensioners with additional income would no longer pay tax. The party said that the measure exempts only pension income up to €37,104, rather than all income earned by pensioners. Other earnings such as employment income, dividends or investments remain taxable. (The Malta Independent)
Police investigate alleged match manipulation in Malta Premier League Match
Police have opened an investigation into allegations of possible match manipulation linked to the Malta Premier League match between Mosta FC and Naxxar Lions FC played on February 4.
Naxxar won the “Derby of the North” 5–0, boosting their chances of remaining in the top division. Authorities confirmed an investigation was launched after a report was filed regarding the match. Sources said investigators are examining claims that some Mosta players were approached before the game by an individual described as a football intermediary. Players were allegedly offered inducements intended to influence the result. The matter was reported to police after players shared messages they claimed to have received with club officials. (Times of Malta)
Malta launches national suicide prevention strategy
The Maltese government has launched its first National Suicide Prevention Strategy, which will guide action in the sector between 2026 and 2031. The strategy builds on the Mental Health Framework 2020–2030 and aligns with the country’s Vision Malta 2050. According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people worldwide die by suicide every year. Malta has one of the lowest suicide rates in Europe and already offers several support services, including a 24-hour psychiatric emergency service at Mater Dei Hospital and the national helpline 1579. The strategy aims to strengthen prevention, early intervention and support services for people at risk. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said suicide remains a tragedy affecting families and communities, stressing that prevention requires collective action involving government, institutions, NGOs and society, alongside increased recruitment in psychology and psychiatry services. (TVM News)
