Accommodation New Zealand introduces
Malta International Airport (MIA) has significantly strengthened its global reach in 2025, with the addition of five new airlines and over hundred and eight direct destinations. The expansion includes prominent carriers such as LOT Polish, Qatar Airways, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines, all joining the airport’s ever-growing network. This strategic expansion marks a milestone for Malta International Airport as it continues to diversify its flight connections, reaching new areas in Northern and Eastern Europe while maintaining strong ties to Southern Europe. The expanded reach includes key destinations in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Germany, further solidifying Malta’s role as a vital hub for European and international travel.
Since January 2025, Malta International Airport has bolstered its flight network, bringing the total number of direct destinations up to 109. Southern Europe has remained the leading regional destination, accounting for 35% of all scheduled and charter flights during the first half of 2025, although this share has slightly decreased from 37% in 2024. This modest shift signals the airport’s successful efforts to diversify its traffic and grow its presence in Northern and Eastern Europe. The addition of new routes to Helsinki and Copenhagen, operated by Norwegian and SAS, respectively, has been pivotal in increasing the airport’s connections with Northern Europe. Similarly, new growth in Eastern Europe, driven by connections to Warsaw and Krakow with LOT Polish Airlines, is further contributing to the airport’s development.
Malta International Airport has been focusing on expanding its links to both Northern and Eastern Europe, diversifying the destinations it serves. Northern Europe saw a slight increase in its share of flights, with 24% of total flights being directed towards countries such as Finland and Denmark. Eastern Europe experienced a similar growth trend, now accounting for 12% of total flights, up from 10% in 2024. This growth has been supported by the launch of new routes operated by SAS, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, along with the introduction of new services to Gothenburg in Sweden.
As the winter season approaches, Malta International Airport is set to continue its expansion efforts, with SAS extending its Copenhagen service into the off-peak months for the first time, while Ryanair is launching a new connection to Gothenburg. These developments reflect the airport’s strategy of securing year-round connectivity, ensuring that Malta continues to attract visitors across all seasons.
One of the primary objectives for Malta International Airport has been securing year-round connectivity, which has become even more important as tourism becomes more dispersed throughout the calendar year. With the winter months (January to March) accounting for 39.5% of the total 4,541,113 movements recorded between January and June 2025, the airport has clearly succeeded in maintaining a strong presence even during traditionally quieter periods. This growth in off-peak season travel aligns with the airport’s strategy to collaborate with local tourism stakeholders to support Malta’s year-round tourism objectives.
By continuing to foster strong connections to Northern and Eastern Europe, Malta International Airport is poised to meet the growing demand for travel to Malta throughout the year. This commitment to year-round accessibility ensures that the airport’s economic impact will continue to grow, contributing to both the local tourism industry and Malta’s international reputation as a premier travel hub.
In July 2025, Malta International Airport saw significant traffic, with 1,035,341 passengers traveling through the airport, marking a 5.3% increase in aircraft movements compared to the previous year. The seat load factor for the month remained steady at 89.6%, indicating a healthy demand for travel to and from Malta.
Italy remained the top market for Malta International Airport, with a 21.6% share of total movements, followed closely by the United Kingdom, which accounted for 21.1%. Germany, France, and Poland also continued to be key markets, reflecting the airport’s strong European connections. The airport’s ability to maintain strong relationships with major European markets, combined with its growing connections to other regions, is a testament to its ongoing success and strategic expansion efforts.
In addition to expanding its route network, Malta International Airport has also introduced significant enhancements to the passenger experience. New regulations allow passengers to carry liquids in containers up to 2 liters and electronic devices in hand luggage without removal at security checkpoints. This change follows the European Commission’s re-authorization of EDS C3 security scanners, improving efficiency at the airport. While this development improves convenience for passengers departing from Malta, it is important for travelers to check regulations at their destination airport for their return journey, as the 100ml liquid restriction has not been uniformly lifted across all EU airports.
Furthermore, the ongoing terminal expansion project at Malta International Airport has seen the successful completion of the first phase, which includes the commissioning of a new non-Schengen arrivals area. This expanded area can now accommodate twice the number of immigration booths, in preparation for the phased implementation of the new EU Entry/Exit System in October 2025. This investment in infrastructure demonstrates Malta International Airport’s commitment to enhancing the overall passenger experience, ensuring smoother and faster processing as more travelers pass through the airport.
Malta International Airport’s expanded route network and ongoing enhancements to passenger experience are likely to have a significant impact on the future of tourism and travel in Malta. The addition of more destinations, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe, will provide more opportunities for travelers to visit the Mediterranean island, further strengthening its position as a top European destination.
As the airport continues to expand its infrastructure and enhance its services, it is set to play a vital role in Malta’s economic growth. The increased connectivity and improved passenger experience are expected to attract more international visitors and boost the country’s reputation as a leading hub for tourism and business travel.
In conclusion, Malta International Airport’s efforts to expand its route network, particularly to Northern and Eastern Europe, combined with improvements in passenger services, position it as an increasingly important gateway for European and international travelers. The airport’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, coupled with its commitment to year-round connectivity, ensure that Malta remains at the forefront of the tourism and travel industries.
By focusing on expanding flight services and enhancing the passenger journey, Malta International Airport continues to establish itself as a key European hub in 2025, offering travelers more choices and an exceptional airport experience.
