Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS) has successfully completed upgrade works in its control tower, an investment that will allow for more efficient use of the existing space and increase operational capacity.
This project forms part of a broader planned investment strategy addressing the increase in demand experienced by the aviation sector in recent years, particularly in terms of connectivity and the number of flights from Malta International Airport. With new routes and others operating more frequently, it was essential for the Control Tower to be equipped to accommodate higher demand while continuing to guarantee the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
The works were planned during a period of the year when demand is lower and were also coordinated with other maintenance interventions that had already been scheduled at the airport. This was done to ensure that there would be no disruption to flights and that airport operations would continue uninterrupted.
This project forms part of a €500,000 investment that was announced by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett, during a visit he made last January to the MATS facilities. During that visit, it was announced that Malta registered a record number of flights in 2025, both those using the Maltese airport and those passing through Maltese airspace. Minister Bonett said, “The investments being made form part of a long-term national vision looking towards 2050, so that Malta continues to strengthen its connectivity with the world while expanding the aviation sector, which is one of the country’s economic pillars.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Malta Air Traffic Services, Claude Mallia, explained that this work forms part of MATS’ plan to introduce more modern technology to facilitate operations. He stated that in the coming years, MATS will continue to invest in various aspects of its operations so that employees have modern tools and technology to continue providing this essential service.
Adrian Vassallo, Senior Head Tower, Operations Section, explained that this work had been planned for more than a year in preparation for the upcoming summer, when the volume of aircraft using Malta International Airport is expected to increase by at least 6%. This led to the need for more controllers to be present to ensure that MATS continues to provide an efficient and high-level service.
Through these initiatives, Malta continues to invest in modern technology that supports economic growth and strengthens our country’s reputation as a strategic aviation hub in the Mediterranean.