Malta International Airport is forecasting a modest rise in passenger numbers this year, with latest figures showing "light at the end of the tunnel".
Just over 2.9 million passengers passed through the airport in 2009, a drop of 6.1 per cent when compared to 2008. However, the last quarter, in contrast to the previous three, was marked by a hopeful increase over the same period the year before.
"A 6.5 per cent increase in December seems to indicate a light at the end of the tunnel that warrants a forecast for passenger movements in 2010, based on the most recent flight schedules, to show an increase of 2.8 per cent over 2009 - this translates to just over three million passengers," MIA's CEO Julian Jaeger said.
"When one considers the global scenario of 2009, MIA's performance may be considered acceptable and may be better than many expected.
"However, the results must not be seen as the fruit of sheer coincidence but more appropriately that of concerted and constant efforts together with the Malta Tourism Authority and other stakeholders to overcome negative trends that affected our markets as part of a global economy," Mr Jaeger added.
The top three airlines for 2009 were Air Malta that carried 56 per cent of passengers, followed by low-cost airlines Ryanair with 15 per cent and Easyjet with six per cent. The UK remained the main market with 34.2 per cent of the share followed by Italy, 17 per cent, and Germany, 14 per cent.
"Though we have managed to attract more airlines to operate to Malta in 2010, the economic climate affecting air traffic is still uncertain especially in our core markets of the UK, Germany and Italy," Mr Jaeger said.
He referred to MIA's security services after the failed attempt by a Nigerian man to blow up an aircraft over Detroit on Christmas Day.
He stressed that the airport's security standards were in accordance with national international requirements.
However, security measures were being stepped up and MIA was also examining the introduction of new scanning equipment.