Air Malta has announced it will operate flights from London Heathrow and Manchester this summer as part of a plan to focus on its core markets in 2021.

It will operate up to 10 flights a week from Heathrow and twice weekly flights from Manchester.

Malta is expected to be one of the few countries to where British holidaymakers can travel quarantine-free from 17 May.

The island has already said it will allow British travellers, with negative PCR tests taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Also, from 1 June, it will allow holidaymakers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID at least 10 days prior to their arrival test-free entry. They will only need to present their vaccination card, according to the Malta Tourism Authority.

And the country is widely tipped to be on the UK Government’s list of green destinations when the blanket ban on holidays is lifted, meaning holidaymakers won’t have to self-isolate when they return home.

“We are happy to note the gradual increase of consumer confidence and propensity to travel this summer,” said Air Malta Executive Chairman David G Curmi.

“This increase, driven primarily by the success of the vaccination roll-outs in many countries, especially in Malta, augurs well for an easing of travel restrictions and a restart in tourism this summer.

“We are happy to be part of the process and help re-open our Islands to tourism.”