• Over 347,000 passenger movements in November, up 22.4%
• Significant efforts to drive growth during shoulder months, resulted in 21% rise in seat capacity
• Spain grows by 87%, in line with the airport’s strategy to recoup traffic from the Iberian Peninsula

 The winter season opened on excellent footing at Malta International Airport, with November registering a staggering growth of 22.4% over the same month last year.

This is by far the highest monthly increase for 2016, going on to displace March’s 19% growth rate from the top spot. November’s spurt augurs well for the key stakeholders in the industry’s stepped up efforts, to ensure that the Maltese islands are an attractive, year-round holiday destination.

This growth in passenger movements was recorded in parallel with an upturn of 17% in aircraft movements and an increased seat capacity of 21.3%. This increase partly stemmed from the airport’s enhanced winter schedule, offering no less than 18 new connections for the season.

Airlines were also more efficient in filling up the available seats, with November having registered a seat load factor (SLF) of 82.4%. In absolute terms, the airport gained more than 63,000 passengers over the same month last year.

The airport’s top five markets all grew by varying degrees and featured a newcomer. Belgium made an appearance in this list for the first time, following increased connectivity to Brussels.

Outside of the top five markets, and in line with the airport’s strategy to recoup traffic from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain continued to grow at an impressive rate. The Spanish market’s 87% upturn resulted from the introduction of a twice-weekly flight to Valencia, increased operations to both Madrid and Barcelona, and Girona’s extension into the winter period.

November’s results further enhance Malta International Airport’s optimism for the winter period, as the airport focuses on welcoming 5 million passengers before the year is through.