Malta International Airport has earmarked the Swiss airports of Geneva and Basle as "appropriate points" from which to increase the number of tourists visiting Malta.

MIA yesterday announced it was inviting airlines of EU countries to operate to these routes - which have been identified as under-served - in return for attractive airport fees and charges.

The conditions for operating the routes will include frequency of flights, a minimum guaranteed number of passengers, the type of aircraft and seat capacity, as well as the allocation of ground handling slots. Earlier this month MIA had identified Madrid, Barcelona and Girona in Spain as well as Lisbon in Portugal as routes also having potential for growth, and issued a similar invitation to airlines.

The MIA said that, mindful of its commitment to increase air services to Malta and the number of passengers that use the airport, it was undertaking further studies to identify other airports that may be under-served.

It said the invitation was being issued in full compliance with the EU rules, regulations and obligations that govern such agreements.

Ryanair and Easy Jet are among airlines that have shown an interest in flying to Malta on lower airport fees.