Direct flight launches from helsinki to malta

Finnair has announced a new direct route from Helsinki to Malta. The flight will "pave the way" for many other economic exchanges between Finland and the island nation, Malta's Ambassador to Finland, Mr Zammit Tabona, told the Times of Malta.

Tourism is expected to enjoy the biggest boost - with Chinese visitors now able to fly faster over the pole, rather than via Dubai - but real estate investment is also predicted to climb. Indeed, Malta's visa scheme has seen a large take-up from overseas investors already, while Mr. Tabona says a direct flight could boost home purchases, replicating the success of the rest of the Scandinavian market.