If you’ve been thinking about a winter escape to Malta, or perhaps you already can’t resist coming back, there’s some rather good news on the horizon. Ryanair, Malta’s biggest airline group, has just announced six brand new winter routes, making it even easier (and cheaper) to hop over to our sunny shores.

From this winter, flights will be running between Malta and Glasgow, Gothenburg, Luxembourg, Newcastle, Norwich, and Palma. That means more options for UK travellers looking to dodge the drizzle, and even more connections across Europe for those wanting a bit of Maltese sunshine when the cold sets in at home.

The announcement came with some fanfare too, Prime Minister Robert Abela himself was on hand to cut the ribbon at Ryanair’s brand-new Malta headquarters, a €700 million project in Pietà on September 4. The shiny new office is also bringing around 70 high-skilled jobs to the island, from engineering to cabin crew. Add that to the 500-strong team Ryanair already has based here, and it’s clear they’re putting down serious roots in Malta.

And they’re not stopping there. By next year, Ryanair expects to be flying a record 5 million passengers in and out of Malta, across a whopping 68 routes, with nine aircraft based on the island. For holidaymakers, that translates to more flight options, more competitive fares, and more flexibility when planning your trip.

David O’Brien, CEO of Malta Air (part of the Ryanair Group), described Malta as a growing hub of European aviation, and from the looks of it, he’s not wrong. Alongside the new offices, Ryanair has also invested in aircraft maintenance facilities, which are set to create another 250 skilled jobs. It’s a vote of confidence not only in Malta’s tourism scene but also in its place in the wider aviation industry.

For visitors, the real win is choice. Whether you’re popping over from the UK for a long weekend, planning a cultural city break from Sweden or Luxembourg, or simply looking for an easy escape from northern Europe’s grey skies, Malta just became that little bit more accessible.

So, if you needed an excuse to book your winter getaway, consider this your sign. With more routes, more flights, and more sunshine waiting at the other end, Malta is calling, and Ryanair is making sure you can answer.