Malta International Airport has revised upwards this year’s forecast growth, which is now expected to be 4.2 per cent higher than 2013.

In January, the airport had predicted two per cent growth but, according to the company’s half-yearly report, it was increased in view of the positive results achieved in the first six months.

Despite the effect the Libya crisis might have on passenger movements, the airport still expects the growth to continue in summer.

Passenger movements grew by almost eight per cent in the first half of 2014 when compared with the same period last year.

MIA handled 1,859,423 passengers between January and June, an increase of 132,843 over the same period in 2013.

The number of aircraft was up 7.5 per cent – or 1,038 – for a total of 14,835. Seat capacity stood at 2.4 million.

The majority of passengers flew Air Malta, which saw a 2.2 per cent increase to reach a total of 795,377.

It was followed by Ryanair (485,013), Easyjet (146,787) and Lufthansa (100,377), according to MIA’s figures. The top destinations remained London (Gatwick) followed by Frankfurt, Rome and London (Heathrow).

Data released yesterday by the National Statistics Office show tourist trips in June were estimated at 179,610, an increase of 8.6 per cent when compared with the corresponding month last year.

The figures, relating to inbound tourism, showed 152,991 visits consisted of holidays and business trips reached 14,562. Inbound tourists from other EU member states increased by 9.9 per cent, reaching 146,717.

Total nights spent went up by 8.6 per cent compared to June 2013, reaching 1,354,060, while total tourist expenditure was estimated at €160.8 million, an increase of 11 per cent on last June.