Malta International Airport is set to equal the capacity of London Gatwick as Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi announces a major €8 million air traffic control upgrade.

With planning permission in hand to rebuild the airport’s car park, and plans to overhaul the terminal building and build new parking facilities that can fit seven more aircraft in the plans, the newly expanded airport could soon be getting even bigger.

“The aviation sector is a crucial column of the Maltese economy and the government has an interest in continuing to strengthen the sector, so that Malta becomes a hub and a centre of excellence,” a Tourism Minister spokesperson told Lovin Malta.

“To this end, this Ministry, along with Malta Industrial Parks, is working on a Airport Masterplan to assure the operation of the airport is constantly becoming more efficient, that there is a separation of all sectors as there should be, and to ensure we are maximising the use of the land in question,” they continued.

New investments are already bearing results in the improved runway management systems, allowing them to continue functioning during February’s historical storm, as well as improving the controllers’ technical systems.

“This gives us a good base to plan growth, both in the medium and the long term”

The spokesperson explained how the Tourism Ministry would be speaking to the nearby communities and the local councils surrounding the airport in a stakeholder’s consultation.

“Obviously, the government is committed to ensure every development leaves the smallest impact possible on the local residents, and remains in absolute conformation with the applicable regulations, including those that regulate noise,” they said.

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]