Airport passengers expected to drop 2.8%
Malta International Airport is expecting 3.4 million passengers this year, a decrease of 2.8 per cent on last year's figures.
Addressing a news conference this morning, CEO Markus Klaushofer said the drop was mainly due to the economic crisis. However, the number would still be higher than in 2010, which was a record year.
Mr Klaushofer said that because of the situation, he said, it was difficult to make predictions a slowdown was expected in the first three months of this year but the situation was expected to consolidate later on in the year. If needed, updated forecasts would be issued if needed along the year.
Mr Klaushofer announced that Air France would embark on operations from Malta for the first time in summer with operations to Toulouse.
He said that for the first time last year, Air Malta carried less than 50 per cent of passengers at MIA. The airline carried 47.9 per cent and considering that it was going through a restructuring process, this was very good, Mr Klaushofer said.
He said that following Air Malta, Ryanair carried the most passengers. Mr Klaushofer noted that MIA had a good mix of low cost airlines and legacy carriers.
He said that 31 per cent of passengers to Malta came from the UK and it was important for MIA to diversity its markets so as not to put all eggs in one basket.
The airport was working to establish strong links with East European markets, such as Russia and Ukraine.
This year, it will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary – on February 8.
The Maltese had a good relationship with the airport which MIA wanted to keep. It also wanted to contribute to broader society.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami, who was Prime Minister when the airport was inaugurated, will lead a tour of the airport. Internal celebrations will be held on February 8. In April, there will be a tree planting event for staff in Gudja and an open day for staff and families.
A free public concert will be held at the airport in Malta. In June, MIA will host the European Airport Football Championships and Skyparks will open in summer.
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Andreas Moser
Jan 27th, 17:55
It's not even the end of January.
What's the point of a projection for all of 2012? So much can happen, oil prices, volcanoes, currency crises, hijackings.
Dennis Quaid
Jan 27th, 20:04
Why not, MIA is public company, so planning is a must.!
Peter Murray
Jan 27th, 22:04
Planning is a must -not amateur projection! Now we have a new -but still foreign-soothsayer in charge of our national airport ,the only one,unequivocally declaring definitive staements such as the number this year "would still be higher than 2010".Must get him to pick my Super 5 numbers as the man obviously is a clairvoyant!
Hans Weber
Jan 28th, 13:07
You sound promising my son, come on look on the bright side why be so bloody negative, my motto is always be positive whether its an exam-weather-and life in general. always hope for the best we 've had enough problems over the years why add to the misery sunshine, and in Malta the sun always shines. friend.
Victor Vella
Jan 27th, 17:53
Imbasta tar-regim tal-PN gabu ir-Ryanair. U waqghu ghac-cajt.
Salvinu Buttigieg
Jan 27th, 14:36
MIA should be realistic, 2.8 is only a drop in the ocean, i would double that figure, at the sate of the economy it is now in the whole of europe, this includes ofcourse also propertie letting or goinmg to the extream buying a property in Malta or Gozo is relativly out the question i would imagine, still hope for the best cause what goes up (PRICES) and all must come down faster then a tone of bricks. You how the saying goes: A BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH:
Mr phil sam
Jan 27th, 14:32
Why not call an electiopn, this will boost the figures, LOL
Hossam Helwani
Jan 27th, 14:11
@ saviour m garzia
can you please note that the then kmb declared that when the lejber party is in power they will tear it down to pieces! Can you please realise that this is a 20 year old anniversary of a building which was a total success? Can you not see that there is no harm in celebrating this lovely event?
Saviour M Garzia
Jan 27th, 12:27
As part of the anniversary celebrations, President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami, who was Prime Minister when the airport was inaugurated, will lead a tour of the airport. Internal celebrations will be held on February 8. In April, there will be a tree planting event for staff in Gudja and an open day for staff and families.
I disgree as this will tint it with a political agenda, can someone else do the tour say the CEO himself or his deputy? Had the President Emeritus kept a low profile in politics then by all means but he did not.