Malta International Airport has officially launched its East Expansion project, a major development that will deliver a new terminal facility by 2028 as the airport prepares for continued growth in passenger numbers.

The announcement was made during a press conference held this morning, attended by Prime Minister Robert Abela, marking the formal start of what will be the airport’s largest investment since its privatisation.

The project will add a new 6,000 square metre terminal connected directly to the existing main terminal, allowing passengers to move seamlessly across the airport. The expansion is designed primarily to improve the departure experience, particularly during peak summer periods when Malta International Airport can handle up to 2,500 departing passengers per hour.

Once completed, the new departures area will include five additional departure gates and a dedicated crew gate, alongside approximately 1,000 square metres of circulation space and expanded seating areas aimed at improving passenger comfort and flow.

The development also includes a significant upgrade to landside operations. Plans feature 32 new check-in desks, supported by an additional 1,300 square metres of circulation space, as well as expanded baggage sorting capacity through a new, state-of-the-art baggage handling system.

The East Expansion forms part of a wider €345 million investment programme announced by Malta International Airport for 2025 and beyond, positioning the project as a cornerstone of the airport’s long-term development strategy.

Sustainability has been integrated into the design from the outset, with a focus on energy efficiency and climate-responsive architecture. The terminal will make extensive use of natural daylight through high-performance glazing to reduce cooling requirements, while photovoltaic panels and landscaped green spaces are also planned as part of the project.

With construction now officially underway, the East Expansion represents a significant milestone for Malta’s aviation infrastructure as the country looks to balance tourism growth with improved passenger experience and operational resilience.