The proposed expansion of Malta International Airport will have a “major” impact on the landscape and may lead to the loss of cultural heritage, the environment impact assessment (EIA) warns.
The study states that the project will diminish the long-distance open views of the area and affect Gudja and Għaxaq’s traditional setting of townscapes dominated by churches as well as the rural setting and worked agricultural land.
Beyond that, the development would be highly visible from a range of viewpoints. A small part of the project is located within the buffer of the Ħal Resqun catacomb complex and there are a number of other archaeological features in the surroundings.
The development could result in the possible loss or damage to unrecorded archaeological artefacts during excavation, the study adds.
Project would diminish open views of the areas and traditional townscapes
The full extent of the impact is uncertain and will depend on whether artefacts were present, their importance and the extent of any loss or damage, the EIA notes.
Any potential impact would be mitigated through the presence of an archaeology monitor during excavation works, according to the assessment.
The development application under consideration involves the expansion of the airport through extension of the existing terminal building, relocation of the petrol station, construction of five new buildings for a range of commercial and leisure uses and associated modifications to existing roads and service infrastructure and new roads and services as well as associated landscaping. Parking facilities will also be increased.
The expansion will take place within the existing MIA complex, comprising an area of over 130,000 square metres.
The Luqa area strategy specifically mentions the need to facilitate the expansion of the airport so it can act as a regional hub.
The Skyparks building was the first phase of the project. The whole development would occur over another three phases and is planned for completion by 2024.
The project description statement says that the expansion of the airport facilities is needed.
“The MIA must evolve to meet such present day requirements in order to compete on a global scale. It must be established as a multi-modal centre of aviation supported by a business and trade,” according to the statement.
The EIA states the project will create up to 2,500 jobs in its operational phase, of which more than 800 have already been created during the first phase.