Malta Airport Shopping...a journey in itself
After the considerable investment of Malta International Airport in its terminal infrastructure during the first half of 2009, we may now pride ourselves to have one of the best shopping facilities in the Mediterranean. The main focus of the project was the improvement of the logistic lay-out which has now been converted into a virtual shopping mall offering a vast array of products. This has been internationally acclaimed by means of the tributes received, namely the ‘Passenger Terminal World Annual 2010’ title of The Most Noteworthy Airport for a New Small Budget Programme and the 4th Best Airport in Europe as well as 3rd Best in our category for shopping facilities by ACI’s Airport Service Quality Survey. Moreover MIA has won the ACI Europe Airport of the year 2010 award as best airport in its category.
The main objective of this refurbishment is intended to set the passenger in a shopping environment with excellent service levels that compliment the high standards set. A variety of products is available from Perfume and Cosmetics, Spirits and Confectionary to Tobacco products. This is all contained in a walk-through outlet operated by Nuance. The retail offer is further enhanced with a selection of quality brand clothing such as Lacoste, Guess, CK and French Connection. A sport wear outlet compliments this mix and Diamonds International, a renowned jewellery store, puts on offer the essential accessory of high-end products; costume jewellery can also be found on these premises. Moreover a Swarovski outlet is located at the Departures area. The first Hard Rock Cafe’ to open in an airport terminal is also situated at MIA. As to shopping for kids, one finds a Playmobil outlet, as well as a Disney section. To add to this versatile mix a designer sun glasses outlet is available and even more shops are located in the Non Schengen area, mainly, another store operated by Nuance offering the same range as in their Main Shop, a Cielo Venezia jewellery and an extensive Cosmetics section cum stationery, bookshop, liquor and confectionery. The area also hosts F&B outlets to accommodate passenger needs prior to travelling.
Passengers as well as the local community may also avail themselves of the retail outlets and cafeterias situated in the Check-in Hall, Arrivals area and a unique Court offering a variety of gastronomic delights. The dining experience literally takes one from east to west, ranging from a Chinese, Indian and a Turkish restaurant to an English Pub and Italian restaurant. Burger King and KFC are also present. The shopping experience in arrivals leaves one spoilt for choice, with the various outlets ranging from a Jewellery to a fully-stocked Convenience Store. A Bookshop, Samsonite and Accessories are flanked by two Cafeterias to cater for both Departures and Arrivals halls. A sports restaurant is situated overlooking the main runway with a children’s play area.
