• MIA awarded for ‘excellent’ lounges, new website, efficient security screening and great signage
• Only 13 European airports are rated four stars including Zurich, Barcelona El Prat and Amsterdam Schipol.
• Skytrax’s audit report has guided new features and considerations in the design process of the ambitious terminal expansion project

Malta International Airport has been awarded four stars by the leading air transport industry audit organisation, Skytrax. Only 13 other European airports are ranked four stars, including Zurich, Barcelona El Prat and Amsterdam Schipol.

Introduced in 1989, this star classification for airlines and airports is now hailed as a benchmark of quality standards in the air transport industry worldwide. Skytrax grants a final rating after its team of experienced air transport research professionals conducts a thorough evaluation of the frontline products and services, which are offered at different points of the airport journey. Globally, only 38 airports have four stars with the likes of Beijing and Vancouver enjoying this ranking.

Malta International Airport fared remarkably well in most of the audited areas and scooped more than four stars for its signage systems, its new website, car park facilities, Internet and Wi-Fi availability, its food and beverage offering, and the La Valette lounges, with Skytrax describing the latter as “excellent”.  Also garnering positive remarks were the efficient security screening processes, in spite of current limitations.

Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg described the strong performance in the above-mentioned categories as an affirmation of the success of the airport’s ongoing efforts to enhance guests’ experience, even beyond the terminal. He went on to thank the airport team and its stakeholders, particularly the immigration officers, customs officials, the police and ground-handlers for their invaluable contribution in picking up another prestigious award.

A SWOT analysis, presented by Skytrax as part of the audit, highlights that the terminal expansion project should be regarded as an opportunity to address the airport’s current limitations, the most palpable of which are within the check-in and security areas. The €28 million expansion project will include the addition of check-in desks, the creation of more circulation and seating space, and the extension of the security screening area to twice its current footprint.

Mr Borg added; “Our eyes are ultimately set on improving our performance year-on-year. The Terminal Expansion project will be kicked off in the coming months and we are confident that through this significant investment our guests will experience a smoother and more pleasant journey, in line with the airport’s vision of offering an experience that consistently delights its guests.”

Earlier this year, Malta International Airport was ranked second in the Best Airport by Region (over 2 million passengers per year) category, according to the 2015 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. The airport is expecting almost 5 million passengers to pass through its terminal by the end of 2016.