Storm Harry Forces Flight Diversions at Malta Airport
Gale-force winds brought by Storm Harry disrupted air travel to Malta, forcing several flights to divert and others to abort landing attempts at Malta International Airport. Inbound services from Bucharest, Vilnius, Milan and Trieste were redirected to Italian airports after pilots were unable to land safely amid turbulent conditions. Videos shared online showed aircraft buffeted by strong crosswinds, with at least one landing abandoned moments before touchdown Airport authorities said safety remained the overriding priority, with departures largely unaffected despite the adverse weather. Meanwhile. the Civil Protection Department said it remained busy overnight and into Tuesday as gale-force winds and heavy seas battered coastal areas. Southern localities, particularly Marsaskala and Marsaxlokk, were among the worst hit, with seawater flooding coastal roads and entering nearby properties. Damage was reported along promenades in Marsaskala and Birżebbuġa. Strong winds also disrupted travel, forcing flights from Bucharest, Rome and Vilnius to divert, while ferry services to Gozo were suspended. With wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour, residents were urged to stay indoors. Government schools in Mellieħa, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay were closed, and many employees worked remotely, easing traffic across the island. (Times of Malta/ The Malta Independent)
Rita Schembri Appointed Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Malta
The Central Bank of Malta has appointed Rita Schembri as deputy governor responsible for monetary policy, following a five-year appointment made by the President on the advice of the government. Prime Minister Robert Abela described the appointment as a milestone for gender representation, saying it marks the highest financial sector role ever held by a Maltese woman. Schembri has headed the Bank’s Economic Analysis Department since 2018 and has represented Malta on the European Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee and several working groups. She has also served on national bodies including MCESD and the Malta Statistics Authority. Schembri joined the Central Bank in 1999 and has since held several senior roles across economic research and policy. (Maltatoday)
Ryanair says 2025 was busiest for Malta operations
Ryanair said that 2025 was its busiest year ever in terms of flights to and from Malta, following what it described as a record operating schedule. The airline said passenger numbers grew by 15 per cent to 5.2 million after adding a ninth aircraft to its winter schedule, an investment valued at more than $900 million. Ryanair said the expanded capacity strengthened connectivity and demand on its Maltese routes, contributing to its strongest performance to date in the local market. The airline added that it expects further growth this year and will be announcing its summer flight schedule in the coming weeks, signalling continued investment and expansion in Malta’s aviation sector. (Newsbook)
