Ditch your car and keep liquids in handbags: airport warns of 'busiest summer'
MIA is currently upgrading its infrastructure and operational efficiency at different areas of the airport
Travellers are being urged to ditch their private car to get to the airport and to arrive well ahead of their flight in the coming months, as Malta's airport prepares for the "busiest summer".
Increased passenger traffic is expected to result in longer queues and possible delays at key touchpoints, MIA said in a statement.
"The airport is preparing for its busiest summer, with traffic expected to peak on Thursdays.
"Passengers travelling to non-Schengen destinations are reminded that lengthier border control checks are now in place, resulting in longer waiting times at this point."
Times of Malta reported last month that non-EU passengers travelling through Malta were experiencing delays of more than 40 minutes at immigration, with some at risk of missing their flights after long waits at police border control.
But on Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that Malta’s resources allocated to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System are already operating at full capacity.
On Thursday, passengers were warned of "minor inconveniences" as MIA continues to upgrade its infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Work is currently underway at the airport’s main car park, where reconfiguration of the central area is expected to add 100 parking spaces by the end of April, MIA explained.
These works form part of the first phase of a wider project through which MIA will further improve parking facilities and passenger convenience.
Inside the terminal, the number of pre-security gates has already doubled.
Works on the replacement of the escalator connecting the welcomers’ hall to the food court and the reconfiguration of the retail space in this area are ongoing.
Demolition works at departures are being carried out to increase circulation space at border control by the end of April.
The airport apologised for any inconvenience and urged travellers' cooperation:
- Using alternative modes of transport to their private car for a smoother experience
- Keeping liquids and electronics in their hand luggage when passing through security. While jackets, belts, and loose items in pockets must be removed before passing through the metal detectors, shoes may be kept on
- Keep an eye out for gate information on the information monitors
- Following the signage directing passengers to restrooms and alternative routes