Even the busiest day of the year at Malta International Airport is getting busier. On Sunday MIA handled 1,641 more passengers than it did on last year’s peak.

The August rush peaked with about 180 aircraft take-offs and landings and an estimated 28,000 passengers.

The airport’s busiest day last year was on August 17, when 26,359 passenger movements were recorded.

An airport spokeswoman said greeters were deployed to assist travellers, especially families with children, at key points within the terminal. A programme of passenger initiatives was also organised and free treats were offered.

Most of the influx on the busiest day of the year and the summer peak period was due to tourist arrivals and departures, she noted.

Last month, Malta’s sole airport saw about 370,882 people departing, up 12.9 per cent over last year, and 385,133 arriving, an increase of 11.4 per cent.

The United Kingdom continues to top the list of the most popular countries, registering 173,007 passenger movements in July.

This figure was an increase of 14.4 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Rome’s Fiumicino was the most popular airport among passengers last month. Last year, Gatwick Airport, in England, was the most popular in terms of passenger movements.

MIA posted record passenger movements last year, hitting the six million mark. Ryanair carried most passengers followed by Air Malta, EasyJet and Lufthansa.

A total 6.77 million air passengers are expected to pass through Malta by the end of the year, an increase of 13 per cent over 2017. Airport CEO Alan Borg said year-round tourism was a key objective for all industry stakeholders.