• The project will deliver a 5-star airport to the Maltese islands through several improvements
• The Terminal Expansion project will double building’s current footprint
• Traffic through MLA is forecast to increase by 2–3% to reach 7.5 million passenger movements in 2020

Malta International Airport today unveiled the company’s long-term vision for the airport, revealing details of an investment of circa €100 million in a terminal expansion.

Addressing a press conference earlier today, Malta International Airport Chief Executive Officer Mr Alan Borg also announced the company’s traffic forecast for 2020, which indicates that passenger numbers will rise by another 2 – 3 per cent to reach 7.5 million movements.

“The Terminal Expansion Project will equip us with the capacity to handle further traffic growth and enable us to offer a 5-star airport experience. This will be achieved through a combination of increased operational space, a superior F&B and retail offering, a stronger sense of place, and the use of cutting-edge technologies,” said Mr Alan Borg, whilst underlining the company’s commitment to invest in a terminal the Maltese islands can be proud of.

The upcoming project will see the terminal building gradually develop to occupy around 31,200 square metres; namely double its current footprint. This project will mainly focus on improving the experience and airport processes at key points of the passenger journey through Malta International Airport, most notably within the Check-in Hall, the Security Screening Area, and at the departure gates.

The company would like to announce that it will shortly be issuing a call for architects to submit detailed design proposals and phasing plans for this project.

The design of the expanded terminal is envisaged to be such that it captures the spirit of the Maltese islands particularly through the use of traditional patterns and materials, colours that are evocative of the sea and clear skies, and a play of light so as to bring to the building the warmth that Malta and its people are known for.

With sustainability being an important value for the company, energy-efficiency and water consumption considerations will constitute another pillar of the expansion project. Smart technologies, including a new building management system to allow for energy and water management optimisation, and better insulation are among the improvements that will contribute to the development of an energy-efficient building, which will play an important role in the company’s journey towards the achievement of carbon neutrality.

Other important projects such as the development of Apron X and the construction of SkyParks II are also in the offing. A call for proposals for a hospitality partner to run the hotel which will form part of the SkyParks campus was issued earlier this week.

During the same press conference, Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli explained that, “the Terminal Expansion Project is another great investment that will certainly leave a positive impact on our tourism industry.”

At the end of the press conference, Mr Borg disclosed the company’s financial targets for the year:

Total Revenue is expected to be > €102 million

EBITDA is expected to be > €64 million

Net Profit is projected to be > €35 million

Capital Investments are estimated to reach €23 million

Published on: 29.01.2020