Passenger through-put at Malta International Airport during the first six-months of the financial year increased by 10.3 per cent; aircraft movements also increased by 7.9 per cent, and cargo traffic went up by 7.3 per cent.

The interim financial results for MIA were approved during a meeting of the company’s board of directors on Thursday, and were published the next day in a company announcement on the Malta Stock Exchange.

The group’s turnover for the period is €22,186,118 (January to June 2009 – €20,555,892,) which is 7.9 per cent higher than the turnover for the same period last year.

Revenue from aviation fees increased by €1.5 million due to the increased number of passengers. There were also increases in non-aviation revenues of €156,200, mainly from increased revenue from rental of property, car parking and recharges.

Staff costs increased marginally from €4,503,719 to €4,694,087 (4.2 per cent). Other operating costs went up from €8,002,522 to € 8,534,357, (6.6 per cent). This increase is mainly due to increases in electricity consumption due and the introduction of higher rates.

The depreciation charge for the first six-months of the year decreased marginally from €2,697,281 to €2,635,010 (-2.3 per cent).

The profit for the period is €3,556,591, up by 16.5 per cent compared to the previous six-month period. This result reflects the substantial increase in passenger number.

The group is proposing a net interim dividend of €0.03 per share on all shares settled as at close of business on Monday 9 August.