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.