Technology could further strengthen Malta’s appeal as a safe destination

• March passenger traffic through MIA down 93% over 2019
• Recent local developments bode well for the second half of 2021
• Technology would contribute to boosting consumer confidence, which is crucial for the successful restart of air travel

Passenger traffic through Malta International Airport totalled 32,033 movements last March. Translating into a drop of 93% compared to the same month in 2019, this traffic result reflects the hurdles – including low consumer confidence – still being faced by the aviation industry a year into the COVID-19 pandemic.

A rapid vaccination roll-out among the local population together with government’s recently announced plan for the restart of tourism on the 1 June bode well for the second half of the year. However, the successful revival of air travel is also highly dependent on the restoration of consumer confidence in the industry in the build-up to summer.

“The fact that Malta is one of the European leaders in immunising its population is currently our strongest selling point with airlines and travellers looking for a safe destination this summer. Whilst commending the local Health Authority’s work with the vaccination roll-out, I would also like to stress the importance of technology at this critical point in our preparations for the safe restart of tourism,” said Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg.

Mr Borg explained that travel has clearly become more complex following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the use of technology would contribute significantly to facilitating the experience of tourists entering our islands.

A Malta app would allow passengers to upload all necessary documents – namely the passenger locator form, health declaration form, and COVID-19 test result or vaccine certificate – for verification by the authorities prior to their entry in Malta. In turn, this would give incoming passengers a heightened sense of safety and security and allow for a more seamless travel experience, whilst contributing to the restoration of consumer confidence.