MIA's forecast will not be changed at this point

Notwithstanding the decrease in passenger movements due to the Icelandic volcanic ash, Malta International Airport does not, at present, deem it opportune to alter its forecast for the year, chief executive officer Julian Jaeger said.

However, it will be monitoring the ongoing effect until necessary and will review the situation as usual around mid-July

In the last week, 336 flights to and from Malta were cancelled, resulting in a loss of around 35,000 passenger movements for MIA.

Mr Jaeger said that over the past week MIA deployed additional staff to ensure smooth queue management and deal with constant customer requests for information.

It also set up more free internet access terminals for passengers to be able to re-book their travel arrangements online and offered complimentary refreshments and respite facilities for mothers with infants.

Mr Jaeger noted that Airmalta has operated 60 relief flights, Thomson Fly operated four extra flights, and easyJet, Fly LAL, Jet Time and Thomas Cook two extra flights each, in an effort to alleviate the backlog of stranded passengers.

He reiterated that in these exceptional circumstances, Airmalta’s contribution was crucial to stranded passengers within the limits of operational safety.

He thanked MIA staff, as well as the staff of all other stakeholders, affected by this disruption for their concerted efforts to assist clients left stranded.