Qatar Airways and Visit Malta have marked the return of flight connectivity between Auckland and Malta, offering New Zealand travellers enhanced flexibility and easier access to the central Mediterranean.
At an event in Auckland commemorating the resumption, Malta’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mr. Mario Farrugia Borg, underscored the enduring ties between the two island nations and the growing appeal of Malta as a destination.
“The two island countries share a long-standing, positive relationship given our shared characteristics as small maritime island states and our common membership in multilateral fora such as the Commonwealth,” Mr. Borg said. “This places significant importance on our regional foreign policy initiatives and international affairs.”
Mr. Borg also highlighted Malta’s unique blend of cultural heritage and natural attractions that are increasingly resonating with New Zealand travellers seeking immersive experiences.
“It is a destination that blends history with stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters and much more,” he said. “This small island nation, nestled between Sicily and North Africa, is a treasure trove of ancient wonders from the 5,000-year-old temples to the Grand Harbour of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Malta’s layered history, shaped by Phoenicians, Romans, the Knights of St John, and the British, offers a cultural experience like no other.”
The route enables travellers to connect from Auckland to Doha with Qatar Airways, before onward services to Malta International Airport in Luqa. This itinerary offers increased scheduling flexibility compared to previous options requiring multiple carriers and complex stopovers.
Qatar Airways New Zealand Country Manager, Chris Paykel, shared updates on the airline’s latest developments, noting that the carrier was recently named World’s Best Airline for the ninth time at the Skytrax World Airline Awards and awarded World’s Best Business Class.
Chris also confirmed that passengers departing Auckland on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-200LR will soon have access to Starlink inflight connectivity across the fleet. “With low latency and high speeds, Starlink will allow guests to stream personalised content across platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, or stay connected with work while in the air,” Chris said.
The resumed connectivity reflects growing demand for long-haul travel combining leisure, heritage tourism and convenience. For New Zealand travel advisors, the development provides an expanded set of options for clients interested in exploring the Mediterranean without the complexity of multi-airline itineraries. Travel agents can refer to Qatar Airways’ trade portal for detailed schedules and fare information.