These were the words of the Leader of the PN Alex Borg at the end of a visit he made this afternoon to Malta International Airport. During the visit he toured the various sections of the airport and observed the works currently underway as MIA continues to enhance the services it offers. 

MIA is currently carrying out a number of projects, chief among them the improvement and modernisation of the check-in area and the extension of the terminal. This project is expected to be completed by 2028 and includes doubling the number of check-in desks compared to today. The new terminal, spread across 6,000 square metres, is the largest investment the company has made since the airport was privatised. The aim is to improve the passenger experience and ensure that the airport is in a position to accommodate growth in traffic in the years ahead. 

Among other things, the PN Leader, who was welcomed by MIA Chief Executive Officer Alan Borg, was taken on a visit to the Departures hall, the retail area and the La Valette Lounge, which has also undergone modernisation. He also visited the main MIA offices which serve as the heart of the airport, Immigration and Passport Control, the Baggage Reclaim area, as well as the Arrivals Lounge.

He met members of management and workers across the various sections of the airport, not only those employed by MIA but also immigration officers, police officers and employees of the various companies operating within the Duty Free area. 

Alex Borg praised the strong and continuous investment made by MIA and emphasised the need for the Government to also invest in the country’s infrastructure so that the good impression tourists receive at the airport as soon as they set foot in Malta is replicated in the rest of the product we offer as a country. 

In 2025 more than 10 million passengers passed through the airport, representing growth of 12% over 2024. Aircraft movements increased by 11.4%, while seat capacity rose by 13.1%. 

The largest markets from which passengers travelling through MIA originate are the United Kingdom and Italy with 20%, Poland with 9%, Germany with 8%, and France with 6%. Ryanair remains the airline carrying the largest number of passengers with a 51% market share, followed by KM Malta Airlines with 17%, and then EasyJet, Wizz Air and Lufthansa. This year, Delta is also expected to join the list of airlines, providing direct flights to the United States. 

The PN delegation led by Alex Borg included Shadow Ministers Mario de Marco, Ryan Callus, Ivan Castillo and Darren Carabott. PN candidate Duncan Borg Myatt was also present.

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KM Malta Airlines has unveiled “its largest summer schedule to date” with nearly 8,000 total flights and 19 routes across Europe and the Mediterranean, amounting to 262 weekly flights and 1.34 million seats. This operating period begins on 29 March and terminates on 31 October.

Flights to Tel Aviv will be undertaken throughout the summer, from late May, on Wednesdays and Sundays.

On top of this direct service to Tel Aviv, Israel, an additional Tuesday morning flight to Brussels, Belgium is also being provided. KM Malta are also adding a direct flight to London Gatwick on Thursday afternoons – increasing its number of weekly London flights to 23. It is also renewing its services towards Catania, Sicily.

KM Malta said in a statement that its expanded summer schedule will “reinforce Malta’s connectivity with key European markets, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Belgium and Türkiye and will strengthen links with Israel through the new Tel Aviv service.”

The national airline stated that it will maintain strong frequencies across core markets by providing “seamless access” to major European hubs, as well as by partnering with other airlines to boost connectivity between Malta and North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

London, Munich, Paris, and Rome will have two daily flights to and from Malta, supporting increased connections with codeshare partners, KM Malta said.

KM Malta’s executive chairman, David Curmi, noted that through the 7,948 total fights on offer, “we are not only expanding capacity but also strategically investing in markets that are most important to Malta’s tourism, business, and diaspora communities. By combining direct point-to-point services with access to the major passenger hubs across Europe, we provide an important number of connecting seats.”

“The airline’s summer 2026 programme has been designed to meet the strong demand across all markets while supporting Malta’s position as a leading Mediterranean destination,” KM Malta stated.

It added that as Malta’s national airline, it plays a strategic role beyond just operating flights – it ensures year-round connectivity to “key economic and political centres,” while supporting tourism, bolstering trade and investment ties, and safeguards Malta’s long-term connectivity resilience.

Flights can be booked through the website kmmaltairlines.com as well as through authorised travel partners across all markets.

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He stressed that the existing collective agreement, which he recalled expires in 2028, unless mistaken, will be respected, irrespective of how much pressure is applied by the pilots’ union as election time approaches.

PN MP Ivan Castillo asked the Minister for Finance, Clyde Caruana, whether the recruitment of direct entry captains, on indefinite contracts, by KM Malta will freeze Maltese first officers from being promoted into captains themselves, as well as if the government has a contingency plan for them if this proves to be the case.

As Air Malta transitioned into KM Malta, airline captains signed definite contracts to incorporate them into the airline’s new visage. As these contracts approach their end dates, KM Malta Airlines is eyeing experienced captains to enter its operations whilst promoting first officers into these positions.

Minister Caruana responded that the outcome of the negotiations carried out in circa 2022/23 were clear and that all parties knew what they were signing. He added that during these talks, “no-one had a pistol pointed at their heads.”

“As long as I am the Minister in charge of the national airline, I will not budge an inch. I, Clyde Caruana, will not budge an inch on what was negotiated,” he said.

ALPA Malta ran industrial directives between July and October 2025 till these measures were retired in the spirit of dialogue. In July last year, Minister Caruana did not exclude taking legal action against the union to put an end to the industrial measures introduced, shortly after they were announced.

Caruana stated that whilst his predecessors negotiated “one thing after another” after receiving side letters from the pilots’ union, he will not follow this practice – even if these side letters are sent to apply pressure in the months prior to an upcoming general election.

“We must draw a line every time an election is on the horizon, when the side letters begin coming in. If they strike, I will not be the one landing planes,” Caruana stated.

In this regard, the Finance Minister declared that he “cannot stand” the attitude that everything is done for votes and that in the future, KM Malta will recruit pilots from abroad, as it has done in the past.

PN MP Ivan Castillo warned that this situation may result in a “crisis” and that KM Malta risks ending up without first officers, especially if captains decide that they are better off flying for other airlines, instead of KM Malta.

“As long as I am Minister, I will not negotiate with children,” Minister Caruana said, “I will not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

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Central to this strategy is the completion of a new on-site solar farm, which MIA CEO Alan Borg describes as “an important step in our journey towards achieving net zero by 2050”. The facility is expected to generate approximately 5.1 million units of clean energy annually, all of which will be consumed directly by the airport. Borg characterised the project as a major milestone, both in terms of sustainability and long-term cost efficiency.

The solar farm forms part of a broader sustainability and energy-efficiency drive. MIA has invested around €11 million in upgrading its heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems to the latest, most efficient technologies, while the transition to LED lighting on the airfield began during the Covid-19 period. These initiatives have helped reduce the airport’s direct emissions, alongside the use of high-quality carbon credits to offset residual emissions where mitigation options are still being explored.

Collectively, these measures have enabled MIA to reach Level 3+ in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, granting the airport neutrality status. Borg described this achievement as an external validation of the company’s sustainability progress and an important signal to stakeholders that MIA’s environmental commitments are being translated into measurable results.

Alongside sustainability investments, MIA is advancing one of the most significant capital expenditure programmes in its history. A key component is the eastward expansion of the terminal building, announced in 2025 and expected to open in 2028. The project will extend the terminal by 6,000 square metres and represents the largest single investment within MIA’s €345 million multi-year investment plan.

Borg acknowledged the operational complexity of undertaking such a project while maintaining full airport operations. During peak summer months, the airport handles an average of 32,000 passengers per day, dropping to around 22,000 during winter. Current works are focused on the logistical challenge of integrating the new structure with the existing terminal without disrupting daily operations.

Crucially, the terminal expansion is not designed to significantly increase passenger numbers. Borg stressed that MIA has no ambition to become a 20-million-passenger airport. Instead, the objective is to alleviate congestion and improve service quality for existing traffic levels. The current Departures area, he noted, is constrained and prone to overcrowding during peak periods.

Once completed, the extension will effectively double the size of the Departures area, significantly increasing circulation space and seating capacity. The number of check-in desks will almost double, rising from 35 to 67, while five additional gates and an extra crew gate will be added. The expansion will serve Schengen departures and will also incorporate additional retail and food and beverage outlets.

While the commercial offering is still being shaped with the help of consultants, Borg said there is a strong emphasis on reinforcing the airport’s Maltese identity. Nevertheless, he underlined that the primary value of the project lies in improved comfort, space, and overall passenger experience, rather than retail expansion alone.

Parallel to the terminal works, MIA is investing in complementary infrastructure and technology upgrades. In recent years, the airport expanded Apron 8, adding eight aircraft stands and unlocking additional airside capacity. More recently, MIA introduced C3 security scanners, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their bags and easing the 100ml liquid restriction.

From an operational standpoint, the company is currently prioritising backend systems rather than passenger-facing automation. MIA has invested around €1 million in upgrading its Airport Management System, described by Borg as the “heart of the airport”, as well as commissioning an upgrade to the baggage tracking system. While biometric processing and automated bag drops remain part of MIA’s long-term vision, Borg said these investments have been deliberately deferred until after the new departures and check-in areas come online.

Another major pillar of MIA’s growth strategy is property development, most notably the SkyParks 2 project. The development will include three blocks, two of which will primarily offer office space, expanding the amenities of the existing SkyParks Business Centre. The third block will house a four-star business hotel.

Borg was keen to distinguish the hotel from a traditional airport hotel concept, describing it instead as a business hotel serving the growing commercial hub around the airport. Once SkyParks and SkyParks 2 are fully operational, MIA expects around 3,000 people to be working on site. In this context, the addition of a nearby hotel is seen as a logical support facility for business travellers and corporate users. Final negotiations are ongoing, with brand visuals expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks. The entire SkyParks 2 project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.

Beyond these projects, MIA’s master plan includes space for a potential additional business centre, though Borg indicated that the company’s immediate focus remains firmly on delivering the terminal expansion and SkyParks 2 before committing to further large-scale developments.

From a financial perspective, Borg emphasised the importance of balancing reinvestment with shareholder returns. He said MIA aims to continue investing in its workforce and infrastructure while maintaining its track record as a stable dividend payer. “I can promise shareholders stability,” Borg said, noting that the company’s dividend policy is not expected to change in the short-term.

MIA currently employs 535 people, a figure that is expected to rise gradually as operations and developments expand. Borg also highlighted the airport’s resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainty, noting that despite disruptions in certain markets, Malta’s tourism sector has continued to deliver record passenger numbers in recent years. MIA’s guidance points to growth of around 5% over the previous year, suggesting confidence in the near-term outlook.

Route development remains a strategic priority, particularly in the context of Malta’s shift towards higher value tourism. A major milestone will be reached this year with the launch of Delta Air Lines’ direct service between Malta and New York’s JFK Airport, operating between June and October. Borg described the route as strategically significant, given the high average spend associated with US tourists.

MIA’s immediate focus is on ensuring the commercial success of this operation, in close coordination with the Malta Tourism Authority. Borg said that a strong performance could lead to an extension of the operating season and potentially attract additional North American routes, either from Delta or other carriers.

Within Europe, Malta is already connected to 111 destinations, and MIA’s strategy is increasingly focused on increasing flight frequencies rather than adding new routes. Particular attention is being given to shoulder and winter months, with the Scandinavian market identified as a key growth area. Passenger numbers from Scandinavia grew by 20% between 2024 and 2025, reflecting travel patterns that align well with Malta’s off-peak objectives.

MIA is also working to rebuild traffic from Germany, despite broader challenges affecting travel within the German market. Borg said engagement with airline partners remains ongoing to recover and stabilise connectivity from that region.

Looking ahead, Borg does not expect passenger growth to continue at the same pace seen over the past five years, but remains confident in the airport’s long-term prospects. He reiterated that MIA’s role is not to drive volume for its own sake, but to ensure Malta is connected to markets capable of delivering sustainable, high-value tourism.

In this context, the airport’s investments in infrastructure, sustainability, technology, and property development are designed to support quality, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. As Borg put it, the focus is on creating the right conditions for Malta’s tourism and business sectors to thrive, rather than simply chasing headline passenger numbers.

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The announcement was made by Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg at a press conference earlier today marking the official launch of the East Expansion project, which was also attended by Prime Minister Robert Abela. The investment, the largest undertaken by the Company since the airport’s privatisation, is intended to enhance the airport experience for departing passengers and ensure that the airport is well positioned to accommodate future traffic growth.

“As a player in the tourism industry, we feel a strong responsibility to ensure that visitors enjoy a positive airport experience, which contributes to good first and last impressions of our islands. The East Expansion project will enable us to elevate the departure experience, particularly during peak summer periods when we welcome up to 2,500 departing guests per hour, by providing more space, upgraded facilities and a smoother journey overall,” said Mr Borg.

A strategic investment in the airport’s long-term development, the East Expansion project will be the largest project within the €345 million investment programme announced by the Company in 2025.

In his speech, Prime Minister Robert Abela said, “After inaugurating the VIP Terminal last summer, today we are exploring the details of yet another major investment, the East Expansion. This project reflects what we can achieve when public institutions and private enterprise work together with a shared sense of purpose.”

Prime Minister Abela described the East Expansion as a particularly significant project, forming part of a long-term commitment to quality, resilience, and future readiness. He added that this development is not simply about expanding physical space but is rather about raising the standards and improving efficiency as the country is prepared for opportunities that lie ahead.

The Prime Minister also noted that the project closely aligns with Malta Vision 2050, the long-term national framework which is set to be officially launched in the coming weeks. The Malta Vision 2050 prioritises aviation and tourism while highlighting the important of smart investment in strategic infrastructure, stronger international connectivity, environmental responsibility, and a high quality of life for future generations.

“The East Expansion strengthens Malta’s regional hub status and translates these priorities into practical outcomes. Such investments send a powerful message that Malta believes in planning ahead, building for future generations, and competing with confidence on the international stage”, affirmed Prime Minister Abela.

The new terminal’s departures area will be equipped with five departure gates and a crew gate, together with around 1,000 square metres of circulation space and a variety of seating options designed to improve passenger flow and comfort. The development will also introduce 32 new check-in desks, supported by an additional 1,300 square metres of circulation space, as well as expanded baggage sorting capabilities enabled by a state-of-the-art baggage handling system.

Environmental sustainability has also been integrated into the project’s design from the outset, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and climate-responsive architecture. Extensive use of glass and high-performance glazing will maximise natural daylight while reducing reliance on artificial cooling, complemented by double- and triple-height spaces that enhance openness, light and intuitive wayfinding. Newly developed areas will also accommodate photovoltaic panels to increase clean energy generation, alongside landscaped green spaces featuring drought-tolerant vegetation.

The East Expansion project is a long-term investment prioritising the guest experience, which is expected to contribute to a high-quality tourist offering that aligns with the country’s efforts to shift to value-led tourism. Beyond improved capacity and operational resilience, the terminal will offer a space that embodies Malta’s distinctive identity, leaving departing guests with a lasting impression of the islands’ unique character.

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The airline carried 47.5 million passengers during the quarter, a 6% increase year on year, while average fares rose 4% to €44. Revenue grew 9% to €3.21 billion, reflecting strong demand during the October school mid-term period and close-in bookings over Christmas and New Year.

Operating costs, excluding exceptional items, increased 6% to €3.11 billion, broadly flat on a per-passenger basis. Ryanair said cost discipline remained strong, though profit was impacted by the absence of delivery delay compensation received in the prior-year quarter.

Post-exceptional PAT fell sharply to €30 million after the company booked an €85 million charge relating to a provision for around one-third of a €256 million fine imposed by Italy’s competition authority (AGCM). Ryanair said the fine was “baseless” and confirmed it is appealing the decision, expressing confidence that it will be overturned.

Ancillary revenue rose 7% to €1.11 billion, while scheduled revenue increased 10% to €2.10 billion. Load factors remained stable at 92%.

At the end of December, Ryanair had a fleet of 643 aircraft, including 206 Boeing 737-8200 “Gamechanger” aircraft. The group expects to receive the final four aircraft of this order by the end of February, supporting 4% traffic growth to 216 million passengers in FY27.

The airline’s balance sheet remains strong, with gross cash of €2.4 billion at the end of December and net cash of €1 billion. Ryanair also highlighted its ongoing €750 million share buyback programme, under which it has repurchased and cancelled 13.1 million shares so far. An interim dividend of €0.193 per share is due to be paid in late February.

Looking ahead, Ryanair upgraded its FY26 traffic forecast to almost 208 million passengers, citing strong demand and earlier-than-expected Boeing deliveries. It now expects full-year fare growth to exceed previous guidance of 7% by up to two percentage points.

The group is guiding for FY26 PAT (pre-exceptional items) in the range of €2.13 billion to €2.23 billion, while cautioning that results remain vulnerable to external risks, including geopolitical instability, macroeconomic shocks, and ongoing air traffic control disruptions across Europe.

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To deliver this growth Ryanair will add a 9^th based B737 “Gamechanger” aircraft in Malta (a $100m investment) from November, creating another 30 jobs for pilots and cabin crew at Malta International Airport, the airline said.

This increased route schedule will grow Ryanair’s Malta traffic to over 5.2m passengers in 2025 (+15%), and nine based aircraft represents an investment of over $1 billion on the island.

This growth, the company said, will support over 4,300 local jobs, including 30 new highly paid pilot and cabin crew jobs. Ryanair continues to reinforce its long-term commitment to Malta, with recent investments in a state-of-the-art hangar maintenance facility and the doubling of Malta Air’s new 700 sqm Head Office in Pieta.

To celebrate Ryanair’s 6 new routes and 9^th based aircraft, Ryanair has launched a W25 seat sale with fares from just €21.99 available only at ryanair.com.

Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said: “As Malta’s No.1 airline, Ryanair is pleased to announce our biggest ever W25 schedule with 57 routes, incl. 6 new routes to Glasgow, Gothenburg, Luxembourg, Norwich, Newcastle and Palma for W25, providing Malta’s citizens/visitors with even more choice of exciting winter break and city break destinations at Europe’s lowest fares.

“To support this growth, Ryanair will add a 9^th based B737 “Gamechanger” aircraft from November, and a total investment of over $1 billion on the island, which includes Ryanair’s new hangar maintenance facility and the expansion of our Malta Air offices, as Ryanair’s continues its long-term investment in, commitment to Malta’s tourism and economic growth.”

To celebrate Ryanair’s biggest ever W25 schedule, we are launching a 4-day seat sale with fares from just €21.99, which must be booked by midnight Sun 28th Sept. These seat sale fares are available only at ryanair.com.”

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Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri and the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett, inaugurated Ryanair’s new 700m2 offices in Malta.

This latest investment represents another step in Ryanair’s long-standing commitment to Malta. These new offices will see 70 new high-quality jobs and bring the company’s Malta-based workforce to more than 500 highly skilled professionals across finance, safety, human resources, pilots, cabin crew, and engineering.

The Prime Minister remarked that Ryanair has become one of Malta’s key partners in the aviation sector. Adding that their new offices are “a symbol of confidence in Malta’s workforce, in our economy, and in our future.”

Through Malta Air, Lauda, and its associated companies, Fravel and AFL, Ryanair has established Malta as a hub for operations, training, aircraft leasing, and maintenance. To date, the airline has eight aircrafts based locally and 190 aircraft registered on the Maltese registry. In addition, in 2022 Ryanair has also launched a €20 million aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) project, which project is expected to generate 250 highly skilled jobs and further consolidate Malta’s position as a centre not only for aviation traffic, but also for engineering and innovation.

He added that Ryanair’s expanding operations align with the Malta Vision 2050, which foresees aviation playing an increasingly central role in sustainable growth and development. Adding that for the government aviation is not only seen as a means of transport or an aircraft registry, but as a key economic sector that creates high-quality careers and opportunities. The Prime Minister stressed that Government will continue adopting a business-friendly approach while actively strengthening the aviation sector by investing in specialised facilities and services.

David O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of Malta Air and Lauda Europe, noted that Ryanair’s new offices in Malta mark yet another milestone in the company’s long-term investment in the country. He added that “Ryanair intends to continue investing significantly across various aviation niches in Malta, further strengthening the country’s position as a centre of aviation excellence.”

Today, aviation contributes around €600 million annually to Malta’s economy, provides thousands of jobs, and facilitates the travel of millions of passengers.

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Additional signage has also been installed throughout the terminal to guide guests smoothly through the airport. To ensure a seamless departure, Malta International Airport advises all passengers to take note of the following key tips:

 Check-In Online: If you are flying with an airline that offers online check-in, make use of this service. Boarding passes can be downloaded to a mobile device, allowing you to proceed directly to the security screening area upon arrival at the terminal.

• Time Your Arrival: Please arrive at the terminal no more than two hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure time, unless advised otherwise by your airline.
• Pack Smart: Liquids in hand luggage must be under 100ml and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. These items, as well as laptops and electronics, should remain inside the luggage during screening.
• Have Travel Documents Ready: To streamline your journey from check-in to boarding, ensure that your passport, boarding pass and any required visas are easily accessible.
• Stay Informed: Monitor Flight Information Display Screens throughout the terminal for real-time updates, including flight status and gate allocation.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry a refillable water bottle with you and top up after security at one of the airport’s free water stations.

June Traffic Results

In June, 923,374 passengers travelled through Malta International Airport, with operations reaching their peak on Thursday 26th June. On this day, 35,571 passengers travelled on 218 flights to and from Malta.

While aircraft movements for the month of June were up by 4.5 per cent year-on-year, seat load factor for the month stood at 86.8 per cent, marking a marginal improvement of 0.2 percentage points. This represents the highest monthly seat occupancy rate registered in 2025 to date.

The United Kingdom remained the top contributor to passenger traffic, accounting for 22.4 per cent of total movements. Italy followed with a share of 20.2 per cent, ahead of Germany (7.4 per cent), Poland (7.0 per cent) and France (6.7 per cent).

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Malta International Airport has further expanded its route network for the summer with the launch of direct flights to Stuttgart and Helsinki.

While Stuttgart is a brand-new route for Malta International Airport, last week’s inaugural flight from Helsinki marked the re-establishment of this Finnish connection after a six-year hiatus. Now operated by Norwegian, the Helsinki route has continued to strengthen Malta’s connectivity with the strategic Scandinavian market. 

The two route launches come on the back of a bustling May, during which Malta International Airport welcomed 927,709 passengers, marking an 8.1% increase over 2024. The airport also recorded a strong seat load factor of 84.9%, reflecting sustained demand for travel to and from the island. 

For the second month running, the United Kingdom topped the leaderboard with a market share of 22.4%, followed by Italy, Germany, Poland, and France. Registering an increase of 35.8% in traffic, Poland was the fastest-growing market compared to the previous year. This growth was largely driven by increased flight frequencies on the Warsaw route, together with the start of operations of a new airline.

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