Malta airport forecasts passenger growth of 2% in 2014

Malta International Airport ended 2013 with a total of 4.03 million passengers and forecast a 2 percent growth in passenger numbers this year, local media reported Thursday. Aircraft movements went up by 9.1 percent over last year, while the average seat load factor succeeded in remaining consistent, with a marginal increase of 0.2 percent. Through 2013, Air Malta registering a 6 percent increase in passenger movements by successfully filling the additional capacity it deployed. Meanwhile, Ryanair improved its performances in the routes they operate, resulting in an increase of 19.3 percent in passenger movements. Malta airport CEO Markus Klaushofer said they were investing in areas that could result in increased capacity and efficiency across various areas. For example, in order to cater for higher capacity in peak operational periods, works have commenced to extend the baggage-handling facilities in the check-in area.