• Airport projects traffic growth of 13 per cent over 2017
• Malta outperforming its peers, with connectivity growing by 219% since 2008
• New aircraft parking area will sustain increased airline operations to Malta

Malta International Airport today announced that 6.77 million passengers are expected to pass through the terminal by the end of the year. This translates into an increase of 13 per cent over 2017.

Traffic for the first half of the year grew by 16.3 per cent, surpassing initial projections and prompting the company to revise its original forecast.

Addressing a press conference, during which this mid-year forecast was presented, Malta Airport CEO Alan Borg noted that indications show that 2018 will go down on record as the airport’s eighth year of uninterrupted traffic growth.

“The upward trend in passenger movements observed over the past years stems from our efforts to secure the best connections for Malta. Whilst we are now operating with our 100-destination summer schedule, with 16 routes extended into winter and increased capacity on a number of other routes, the outlook for the upcoming season remains positive,” said Mr Borg, whilst stressing that year-round tourism is a key common objective for all industry stakeholders.

He went on to make reference to the Airport Industry Connectivity Report issued by Airports Council International, which shows Malta leading the way among its peers with a 219 per cent growth in connectivity registered over a 10-year span.

The company will soon set into motion plans for the development of a new aircraft parking area. This multimillion euro investment will see the biggest development of operational areas since the company’s privatisation – a project which was made possible thanks to the Government of Malta, the Ministry for Tourism, and all the involved stakeholders who are supporting the airport’s growth plans.

The new apron will cater for a growing demand by commercial airlines wishing to start or increase operations to Malta, by accommodating up to seven Code C aircraft, which currently make up 98% of the airport’s schedule, the likes of which are operated by airlines such as Air Malta, Ryanair and Easyjet.

Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi welcomes the significant increase in passengers at Malta International Airport and said that the Government will continue to work with MIA to improve connectivity. The increase in direct routes are opening new tourism and business markets.  Minister Mizzi also said that the Government is will continue to work to improve our tourism and travel infrastructure.

On his part, Malta Tourism Authority Chairman Dr Gavin Gulia expressed satisfaction at the tourism results achieved to date, whilst acknowledging the direct relationship between increased airline seat capacity and added tourist volumes. He also asserted that the Malta Tourism Authority and Malta International Airport will continue working hand in hand to execute the Government’s policy aimed at further diversifying Malta’s tourism.

Malta International Airport is also committed to delivering its investment programme and will be executing a number of projects over the medium term. The company is already looking into plans for a 40-million-euro terminal expansion, which will equip the airport with further check-in desks, increased circulation space, and additional seating to continue to amplify the experience for its guests. Additionally, later this year, works on a multi-storey car park, which will accommodate car rental facilities within and provide 700 additional car parking spaces within the airport campus, will commence.