Malta International Airport is preparing for high passenger volumes as the Santa Maria public holiday weekend edges closer.
The airport anticipates that over 33,700 passengers will travel on its busiest days, projected to be the 15th, 22nd and 29th days of August. The peak week of travel is expected between the 12th and 18th of August, with 216,922 passengers expected to either depart from or arrive in Malta.
Given the increased passenger traffic, Malta International Airport recommends the following tips to ensure a smooth and efficient journey:
Arrive on time: Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport not more than two hours before their flight's scheduled departure time.
Check-in Online: Passengers travelling with airlines offering online check-in are advised to make use of this service and download their boarding pass to their mobile device to head straight to security screening upon arrival at the airport.
Pack Smart: Any liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage must comply with the 100ml limit and must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. This will help expedite the security screening process.
Stay informed: Flight Information Display Screens around the airport show real-time flight updates, including the status of departing flights and their gate allocation. Passengers are requested to refer to these screens, as well as Malta International Airport's official website, to stay updated on any changes to travel itineraries.
July passenger volumes increase by over 12%
Malta International Airport welcomed an unprecedented 951,861 passengers in July, marking a significant 12.2% increase compared to the record passenger volumes handled in 2023, the airport said. "This result also confirms July 2024 to be the busiest month in Malta International Airport's history, as the first ever month to surpass 900,000 passenger movements."
"This milestone was accompanied by a robust 14.1% growth in aircraft movements, bringing the total number of flights operated to and from Malta International Airport up to 6,054. The airport received 214 arriving and departing flights on its busiest day of the month, which fell on Thursday 25th July."
"With seat capacity rising by 11.5%, an impressive 89.7% of all available seats were occupied, reflecting the high demand for travel as the summer travel rush set in. Italy remained the top market for Malta International Airport, capturing 25.5% of the market share, followed by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland."