During the first corona wave, the Maltese government ordered the closure of the airport in Luqa, a subsidiary of Flughafen Wien AG. This will not happen again, said Prime Minister Robert Abela on Sunday. The measures do not include the closure of the airport. Instead, rapid tests are to be introduced “as soon as possible”.

The head of government stressed that the right way forward is safe travel and not the closure of the airport. Luqa was closed in March and was only reopened for regular service on July 1, 2020. In the meantime, only repatriation, cargo and maintenance flights have been permitted. This had fatal effects on the airport and the country, which is heavily dependent on tourism.

Abela believes that the current entry system is sufficient to ensure security. People who come from green countries only have to fill out two forms. Those who come from countries that are on the “Amber List” have to show a negative PCR test or to do so on site. Flight connections from countries classified in red are prohibited. Entry into these states is also prohibited by sea.

The head of government also announced that rapid corona tests will be introduced at Luqa Airport. Robert Abela has not yet given an exact date, but these would be part of increasing safety for travelers and residents. The antigen tests should then be offered for as long as necessary. The Prime Minister did not provide any information about the costs.