Malta International Airport welcomed 236,552 passengers in January, representing a 13.2% increase over the same month last year. This translates to more than 27,000 new passengers, equivalent to fifty fully-loaded Boeing 747 aircraft.

Over the last five years, traffic in January increased cumulatively by 40%, clearly indicating that Malta’s strategy to stimulate traffic during the shoulder months is working. Further proof of this is the 11% growth registered in the winter period so far, over the months of November, December, and January.

Last month’s growth is attributed to a 9.0% increase in seat capacity, driven by the Italian, Turkish, and Spanish markets. Traffic from the UK grew by 2.7%, holding on to its top market position, as a result of an increased seat load factor. Meanwhile an increase in aircraft movements to Munich contributed to a 17.2% increase in German passengers, whereas the French market suffered losses of 16.7%, due to a reduction in routes served.

London, Frankfurt, and Rome were January’s top destinations, while Istanbul registered the most significant growth in passenger numbers with an increase of 39.5 per cent. This continues to consolidate the upward trend in traffic from Turkey, which has been steadily increasing over the past months.

Meanwhile, the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) increased by 7.2%, while cargo and mail grew by 3.4%.

Works have commenced on Malta International Airport’s extensive investment plan for 2016, including Terminal embellishments and Airfield improvements.

Last November MIA also unveiled its intentions to further develop the airport’s campus, including its ambitious plans for SkyParks 2, which is intended to house office space for 1,700 employees as well as a business hotel.

Marketing & Brand Development 9 February 2016