Some 114,000 travellers are expected to pass through the terminal between the Wednesday and January 2, with the busiest days projected to be next Friday and December 30, Malta Airport said.

It said in a statement that its team was doing its utmost to spread the Christmas cheer, dressing up every corner of the terminal in festive attire and drawing up a schedule of holiday-themed activities.

"With free mulled wine and mince pies being served, elves offering a helping hand with luggage, and souvenir baubles being distributed, passengers can expect the infectious holiday spirit to rub off on them."

Travellers shopping before boarding would also be able to get their presents wrapped for free at the gift-wrapping station in the departures lounge.

The airport advised departing passengers to double check their hand luggage before passing through security, as certain gifts such as snow globes, contained liquids.

Sauces, pâtés, and jams were also considered to be liquids. Moreover, presents carried in hand luggage should be left unwrapped, as security officers might need to remove the wrapping for closer inspection.