Low cost airline Ryanair said today that it carried 27% of the record 2.6m passengers handled by Malta International Airport during the summer.

The airline recently celebrated carrying its three-millionth passenger since it began its Maltese operations in October 2006.

During 2012's summer schedule, Ryanair carried over 710,000 passengers.

In a statement, the airline said that since it arrived in Malta in October 2006, it has grown to operate 27 routes, opening a base in May 2010.

It said that to celebrate it fantastic summer, it is holding a €12 Seat Sale to Pisa, Bari or Bologna that includes all taxes and charges for those passengers who choose to avoid discretionary fees by paying for Ryanair's flights with Mastercard Prepaid, travel with carry-on luggage only and decline priority boarding service.

Ryanair's Luis Fernandez-Mellado said:

"In just seven years, Ryanair has carried 3m passengers to/ from Malta, with visitors saving over €70m p.a. by switching to Ryanair's low fares over Air Malta's high fare flights. Ryanair will carry almost 900,000 passengers through Malta Airport this year, sustaining 900 jobs and underlining Ryanair's commitment to, and investment in, Malta."

The sale seats can only be booked until midnight on Thursday.