Lufthansa Technik will open its fourth hangar in Malta in the first quarter of 2027, Prime Minister Robert Abela said in his parliamentary reply to Budget 2027 on Tuesday evening. The facility will let the company service almost every type of commercial aircraft, he told MPs.

The hangar was one of a series of measures Abela set out across transport, tourism, aviation and heritage. From 1st January 2027, Maltese and Gozitan passengers travelling on foot will cross on the Gozo Channel ferry free of charge. The same arrangement will apply to EU citizens and to people holding long-term resident status.

On Comino, the second phase of beautification works at the Blue Lagoon will start soon. Abela said the improvements would be paid for partly through fees collected from tourists visiting the island, with higher eco-contribution revenue also funding services and local councils in tourist areas.

A new foundation to maintain and protect Valletta will be set up using money collected from cruise ship tourists. It will bring together the Valletta Local Council and government entities to coordinate work on safeguarding the capital.

Clean-up works have already begun at Manoel Island to improve public access and make the area cleaner and safer. The works will extend to the coastline and Abela repeated the government’s commitment to keeping the island open for public use.

Qatar Airways has confirmed it will resume flights to Malta in March 2027. Abela said the return would connect Malta directly to the airline’s global network and help draw visitors from new markets.

The government is also pressing ahead with plans for new Gozo Channel vessels. Abela said a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire would be launched before the end of 2026 as part of the process to build new ferries, while the process of securing an improved fourth vessel is close to completion.

Abela confirmed the Gozo Museum is expected to open within a few weeks, close to the Gozo Aquatic Centre.