[WATCH] MIA to invest €78 million in Skyparks 2 and terminal extension

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Malta International Airport announced that it will invest a total of €78 million in the building of Skyparks 2 and the extension of the current airport terminal.

In a press conference, the MIA Chief Executive Officer, Alan Borg announced the future plans for the airport, including the building of a complex called Skyparks 2, which will sit next to the current Skyparks building.

The plans presented to the media, also include the extension of the current car park space and space for commercial activity.

Borg explained that the last time that the airport terminal was expanded was in 2008. The project will be divided in two major phases. Phase one will include the re-organization of the current check-in hall and the relocation of the Central Security Area.

Phase two will initiate the construction of more check-in spaces. He explained that, once phase two is complete, the number of check-in desks will increase from 28 to 35. Security lanes will also increase to six, instead of four. The airfield will see an investment of €6.3 million thanks to the rehabilitation of Apron 9. 

Skyparks 2 will come with an investment of €40 million. It will include a business hotel, office space and a commercial area at the bottom. He explained that, although plans are still in their initial stages, the hotel will have from 80 to a 100 rooms. The MIA also intends to invest in a project which will set up Skyparks 3. However, Borg said he would not elaborate on this investment just yet.

“Our ambition is to become the best airport in Europe,” MIA CEO said while showing an artistic impression of the new Skyparks building.

“The current Skyparks Business Centre, which was set up three years ago, is officially full,” Borg said.

The MIA plans for the year 2016 also include airfield and operational upgrades.

Alan Borg said that MIA intends to invest €9.8 million in capital expenditure for 2016.  He insists that, even though the tourism industry is a volatile one, the predictions for the coming year are positive. 

Phase one of the projects will commence in the fourth quarter of 2016. The current design considers both Schengen and non-Schengen scenarios.  

Alan Borg confirmed that MIA handled more than 4.6 million passengers for the year 2015. 

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said he considers MIA as a major strategic partner. He said that the Ministry intends to build on the more traditional markets, such as the UK and Italy, while establishing strong relationships with new ones, including Turkey and Poland.

The Minister said that the last winter results were very encouraging. “We can only increase stability if we invest in a more stable and consistent market”, Zammit Lewis added.