Malta’s Universal Air Ends Scheduled Flights, Shifts Focus

Universal Air has announced it will end all scheduled passenger services by May 30, 2025, as it shifts focus toward charter and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations. The Malta-based carrier shared the decision in a statement on its website, confirming it will continue operating in other aviation segments.

“Although Universal Air’s scheduled passenger services are ending, we remain fully operational. We continue to offer charter flight and ACMI services,” the airline said.

Passengers with bookings beyond May 30 will be refunded. According to ch-aviation data, the airline’s current scheduled network includes flights from Malta International to Debrecen, Ibiza, Tripoli Mitiga, and Palermo, as well as service between Debrecen and Leipzig/Halle.

Universal Air had earlier announced plans to restart flights from Pecs to Malta and Munich on May 13, but those services were never launched, and are not listed in its booking engine.

Following the announcement, CEO Simon Cook informed staff he will step down, though he will remain in the role until a successor is appointed, according to MAViO News.

The airline’s fleet includes three in-house DHC-8-Q400s, one stored DHC-8-100, and one wet-leased DHC-8-Q400 from Nepal’s Shree Airlines. One aircraft is currently operating on an ACMI basis for Italy’s SkyAlps, which turned to wet leasing after most of its fleet was grounded. SkyAlps plans to return its full fleet to service by June.

Cook previously said the airline aimed to expand into business aviation charter services alongside scheduled and ACMI operations.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com