Egypt, Malta discuss resuming direct flights as Maltese authorities ease COVID travel restrictions

Ahram Online , Friday 20 May 2022

Egypt’s Air Cairo and the Maltese flag carrier Air Malta have discussed the resumption of direct flights between the two countries after the Maltese authorities eased coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

An Air Malta plane - File/Air Malta
An Air Malta plane - File/Air Malta

 

Maltese authorities now allow free travel between the two countries after submitting either a proof of coronavirus vaccination, proof of recovery, a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours of traveling or of a rapid test within 24 hours before traveling, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday.

This comes as Maltese health authorities have canceled the travel list system, which had contained Egypt along with many other countries, the ministry said.

Khaled Anis, Egypt’s ambassador to Malta, held the virtual meeting between the two airlines to discuss the resumption of flights in order to enhance trade exchange and tourism between the two countries, the statement said.

The two sides hailed the Maltese authorities’ decision regarding the country’s travel list system, saying it represents a favourable opportunity to encourage business and tourism between the two countries.

Anis highlighted previous proposals regarding the importance of turning Egypt into a regional hub for Maltese tourists to travel to more distant destinations, including Southeast Asia and African countries, given Egypt’s distinguished geographical position.

Last February, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry requested Malta ease travel restrictions between the two countries to revive travel, tourism and business as he held a phone call with his Maltese counterpart Evarist Bartolo.

At the time, Egypt was one of more than 130 countries on Malta’s so-called “dark red list”, according to Times of Malta. Travel to and from countries on this list was only permitted for essential travel with prior authorisation.

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