More flights added for overseas voters

Air Malta has added a number of flights to try and cater for the overwhelming demand from overseas Maltese voters who would like to vote in the March 8 election.

Extra flights have been added to service Manchester, Dublin, and London Gatwick, a spokesman for the national airline said.

Some 1,400 people have already booked a seat to ensure they can vote in the election, after Air Malta announced it would be selling return air tickets at €35 (Lm15.03), inclusive of taxes and other charges, to those who are eligible to vote.

Under the scheme, eligible voters may fly between February 29 and March 16, both days included. It covers Maltese married to foreigners, studying, working or undergoing medical treatment abroad, as well as their dependants.

Over 3,000 Maltese citizens living abroad are entitled to vote in the general election.

Air Malta is facing a logistical nightmare as it cannot obtain more slots from busy airports like Heathrow and is trying to work around the schedule with limited aircraft, a spokesman explained.

The problem has prompted complaints from citizens who say it is absurd that they have to cast their vote in Malta, rather than being able to do so from overseas - as several other European countries do.

Reservations can be made at Air Malta offices and the airline's general sales agents abroad, the Air Malta sales offices in Valletta, Malta International Airport and Gozo, or by calling 2166 2211.