Ryanair operated the first scheduled flight between the Polish city of  Poznań and Malta this afternoon.

Flights will be operated every Monday and Friday until October.

The services further reinforces Malta International Airport's network with Poland which also includes links with Gdansk, Krakow, Warsaw, and Wroclaw.

"The introduction of a fifth Polish destination will further enhance Malta’s connectivity with Central and Eastern Europe, in line with Malta International Airport’s strategy to better harness the potential of this market," MIA said.

Poznań is populated by over half a million inhabitants and lies between Warsaw and Berlin. Both of these cities are a three-hour train ride away from Poznań. As one of Poland’s oldest cities, it is an ideal destination for tourists who like history, museums, and Cathedrals.

One of the top attractions of the city is Lake Malta, an artificial lake that has become the centre of much activity at weekends and during the Malta Festival in June.

Passengers on board the first flight were welcomed by dancers in traditional Maltese costumes and were given a flower, courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority. A celebratory cake was also prepared for the occasion.