Malta International Airport’s decade long growth in airport passenger traffic came to a grinding halt in 2020, dropping to just 1,748,050 compared to a high of 7,310,289 in 2019.
Whilst the island has a storied diving scene, the dive in airport passenger traffic took precedence in 2020. Consequently, Malta International Airport PLC (who took over the management of the airport’s terminal back in 2002) has recorded its lowest passenger traffic under its management.
The Comeback
That said, Malta is targeting a summer 2021 surge in passenger traffic, with plans to rollout a comprehensive fast-track vaccine program complemented by a robust Covid-19 testing program.
“In order for this prediction to materialise it is imperative that, over the next weeks, measures aimed at boosting consumer confidence take centre stage. A faster vaccine roll-out should be complemented by the establishment of much-needed uniform testing regimes and travel requirements at a European level,” said Malta International Airport CEO Alan Borg.
Such statements are a clear indication that should these parameters not be met with immediate effect, then 2021 could be a continuation of 2020’s lack of tourist footfall, thereby putting local livelihoods at risk of insolvency.
All eyes will now focus on the Airport’s Board of Directors meeting on 24th of February 2021, where further discussions will take place on implementation and effectiveness of Covid-19 compliance measures.