During a ministerial visit by Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bonett, the Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS) stated that this summer saw traffic levels continue to rise as a new record was set for the number of overflights set in a single day.
On Sunday 23 June, at the peak of this summer period, MATS exceeded their target for 500 flights in a single day when 539 flights were recorded. This summer period commenced at the beginning of June and will conclude on 21 September.
The Malta International Airport (MIA) experienced peak summer traffic in the past couple of months; exceeding previous forecasts, this contributed significantly to the noted statistical increase. The busiest day for movements at the national airport was Thursday, 27 July, with 255 aircraft movements.
The daily movements for the summer period of this year increased by 12% in comparison to the summer of 2023.
During a visit to MATS, Minister Bonett thanked the employees for the work carried out during this summer season. This period was noted to have been particularly demanding. The Minister was accompanied by MATS’s Chief Executive, Claude Mallia, and its CEO, Robert Sant, who provided insight into the entity’s successful performance and achieved objectives.
Minister Bonett praised the MATS team for their dedication and professionalism in managing the increase in air traffic, especially during the peak summer period, which saw a significant increase in both airport movements and in overflights within Malta’s Flight Information Region (FIR).
“The dedication and work of the workers at the Malta Air Traffic Services have ensured a safe, efficient, and record-breaking summer in our country’s air traffic,” the Minister stated, “This success not only reflects the commitment of this team but also strengthens Malta’s position as a central actor in the region’s aviation sector.”
The MATS is the only entity that provides an air navigation service for the Maltese islands. It is responsible for the air traffic control of planes landing and taking off from the Malta International Airport, as well as for any aircraft passing through the country’s Flight Information Region.
The Maltese FIR, which includes a large area from the Mediterranean, is influenced by geopolitical factors which also have an impact on the volume of air traffic. This year, MATS also observed an increase of flights in this area; the busiest day for air flights was 28 July, with 315 movements, to mark a 3% increase from the previous year.
MATS CEO Robert Sant highlighted the organisation’s achievements, noting that despite the challenges faced, MATS has consistently exceeded expectations.
“The continuous monitoring of our traffic has given excellent results. The entity aimed to reach 500 flights a day, and I am proud to announce that we have not only reached this milestone, but we surpassed it, and thus set a new record for MATS,” said Mr. Sant.