Malta Airport Sees Record Passenger Growth in 2023
Malta International Airport (MLA) achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023, welcoming over 7.8 million passengers, marking a 6.7% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. With an optimistic forecast for 2024, MLA anticipates exceeding eight million passengers following an impressive 18.4% rise in air traffic movements during the first half of the year. This growth underscores the airport’s vital role in supporting the booming tourism sector on the Mediterranean island.
MLA serves as a year-round hub for major airlines, including KM Malta Airlines, Ryanair, and easyJet, offering connections to 35 countries through more than 100 direct routes. EasyJet has expanded its service since establishing its base at MLA, with new routes to Amsterdam, Nice, and Bristol. Future additions include flights to London Southend (SEN) in March 2025 and Liverpool (LPL) commencing in December 2024, both operating twice weekly.
Ryanair has responded to Malta’s increasing popularity by launching its largest summer schedule in 2024, featuring three new routes from Belfast, Norwich, and Rome while enhancing services on 20 existing routes. KM Malta Airlines has also increased its Brussels route to nine weekly flights through December 2024 to accommodate growing demand. Additionally, Jet2.com has introduced weekly flights from Edinburgh and Belfast International until October 2024.
In recognition of its excellence, MLA was awarded the Best Airport in the 5-10 million passenger category at the 2024 ACI Europe’s Best Airport Awards, marking its sixth consecutive accolade for service quality. Furthermore, MLA unveiled a €250 million ($279 million) investment plan for airport transformation by 2028, aimed at expanding terminal facilities to support increasing passenger traffic.
Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning coastal towns, Malta boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites and serves as a key stop on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, significantly boosting airport traffic during the summer season. The airport is committed to enhancing connectivity and attracting year-round tourism, focusing on unserved and underserved routes, particularly in Scandinavia and North America.
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