New arrivals lounge at airport

A new arrivals lounge at the airport built to meet the Schengen Treaty requirements was inaugurated yesterday by the Prime Minister.

The 2,500 square metre building, which cost Lm1.2 million, is part of a larger investment.

The new arrivals lounge will reach its full potential during next year's first quarter, when Malta will by then adhere fully to the Schengen Treaty.

The treaty allows for common immigration policies and a border system among 26 European countries - the EU countries with the exception of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Border posts and checks between Schengen countries have been removed and a common visa allows access.

Passengers arriving on planes originating from other Schengen countries will not need to go through passport control, even if they are not EU members, since the controls would already have been carried out in the other country.

The new arrivals area is the first phase of a Lm1.8 million project that Malta International Airport has embarked on to comply with Schengen requirements.

The departures lounge will be extended onto the old arrivals lounge. Most of the services will be relocated to make way for an additional four gates and space for new retail outlets.

The new area has maintained the aesthetics of the current building, and is a virtual walk-through experience that introduces arrivals to Maltese history.

MIA chairman Michael Hoeferer said that with the airport being the prime gateway to the island as a tourist destination, it must have a welcoming and positive impact on newly arrived passengers. MIA distinguishes itself from most other airports because it has certain characteristics that prevent it from assuming the anonymity typical of other air terminals, he said. Peter Bolech, MIA chief executive, said the aim was to exploit the structural qualities of the airport to create an attractive introductory ambiance to the historical wealth of the country.

"We have done this, true to our commitment to Malta's tourism industry and to promote Malta primarily as a cultural destination," he said.

Apart from a number of art works representing local culture and history, a sculpture based on the concept of freedom of movement which is the objective of the Schengen Treaty was designed by Celia Borg Cardona and Francesca Balzan.

The new arrivals area at Malta International Airport is part of a Lm1.8 million investment to meet Schengen requirements.