The Planning Authority has given the go-ahead for a masterplan for an extension of the airport terminal and other buildings on the airport car park, with parking being moved underground.

Three blocks will be built on the lines of the existing Skyparks, one alongside it, another instead of the McDonalds restaurant and the third in the present petrol station/ car park.

They, and the extensions to the terminal building, will be used for offices, shops, catering and entertainment venues and a hotel. 

MIA said it will plough at least €100 million into the development.

The PA approval gives the company the green light to proceed to the planning stage of its investment programme, which will be executed in three major phases, the company said.

“Through this sizeable investment we expect to solidify Malta International Airport’s important role in the local economy, as we unlock its potential to welcome more tourists and generate further employment opportunities. We also envisage that this programme will build on the successes of past investments and go on to grow the airport campus into a go-to destination for business and leisure,” said Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg.

In the short term, the company’s focus will be retained on the completion of its Terminal Reconfiguration Project, which has already delivered a number of improvements within the terminal building. In parallel with this, and together with its consultants, the company will also be actively working on drafting design plans for a lateral expansion of the terminal.

In the last quarter of the year, works will commence on the construction of a multi-storey car park providing more than 1,300 parking spaces.

The master plan also provides for the construction of SkyParks II, which will house office and retail space and a business hotel.

The company’s master plan was subjected to a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as part of which a public consultation period.