The Maltese Islands will be served by a new 6,000-square-metre air terminal by 2028. Once complete, the building will be connected to the main terminal, allowing for a seamless guest experience across the airport.
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.
