The airport ministerial lounge – previously restricted to senior government officials and VIPs – has been opened up to people willing to fork out €175 (for a one-way passenger) or €300 both ways.

The lounge was re-inaugurated byt he Prime Minister today after refurbishment.

The lounge, operated by Malta International Airport, is a stand-alone airport terminal with its own baggage handling and security facilities, plus a high level of comfort for its users. 

The building was refurbished at a cost of €450,000 and boasts elegantly furnishing the rooms with stylish chairs and colourful artwork.

Part of the area will still be exclusively reserved for senior government officials – the presidential room is to be used solely by the President and Prime Ministers, while two adjacent rooms are for their entourage. The entrances are also separate.

Passengers paying for service will be greeted by a receptionist at the VIP terminal to have their luggage checked in.

They will then proceed to the screening area to go through all the necessary security checks in privacy after being led to a waiting area which offers snacks and beverages.

Passengers can spend some 90 minutes at the waiting area or, if they wish, can have the entire process carried out in 10 minutes flat.

The VIP terminal will be reserved for one VIP passenger and his accompanying party at a time.

MIA Chief commercial officer Alan Borg said handlers of private jets had often mentioned the fact that their clients wished to see a VIP terminal they could make use of.

“It’s a test for us as well. If there’s a demand, we don’t exclude further expanding the area.”

The first guest to enjoy the newly refurbished premises was Prince William. Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie also made use of it some days ago.