May traffic through Malta International Airport experienced a 17.3 per cent spike, going on to surpass 600,000 passenger movements for the first time.

A total of 643,089 passengers were welcomed by the airport team during the month. This record number for May exceeds the combined capacity of the 12 stadiums that will be used in the upcoming World Cup games.

Last month's growth in passenger numbers was driven by a 16.6 per cent increase in aircraft movements and a 17.0 per cent increase in seat capacity.

Despite this strong increase in seats available on flights to and from Malta Airport, at 80.6 per cent the seat load factor (SLF) registered an increase of 0.1 percentage points.

The top contributors to May traffic were the United Kingdom (+21.3 per cent), Italy (+15.3 per cent), Germany (11.3 per cent), France (+19.7 per cent), and Spain (+59.8 per cent).

MAY AT A GLANCE
Total Traffic	643,089 passenger movements
Top Market	United Kingdom (169,781 passenger movements)
Most Popular Airport	London Gatwick (39,742 passenger movements)
Aircraft Movements	4,674 take-offs and landings
Seat Capacity	798,064 seats
Fastest-growing market (from top 5)	Spain (+59.8 per cent)
Busiest Day	06.05.2018 (25,112 passenger movements)
Cargo and Mail	1,588 tonnes