Geopolitical tensions drive record air traffic through Maltese airspace
166,600 flights handled in 2025 as Middle East and eastern Mediterranean rerouting increased traffic
Geopolitical instability in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East pushed record numbers of aircraft into Maltese airspace in 2025, with Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS) managing 166,600 flights last year, up from 148,000 in 2024.
The increase included overflights as well as take-offs and landings at Malta International Airport, as airlines were forced to reroute aircraft to avoid closed or restricted airspace in conflict-affected regions.
Malta Air Traffic Services chief executive Claude Mallia said on Friday this surge placed unprecedented pressure on Malta’s Flight Information Region (FIR), particularly in June last year amid increased instability in the Middle East, when air traffic reached record levels over several consecutive days.
“The past year placed Malta’s air navigation system under extraordinary pressure, with an increase in overflights well beyond expectations,” Mallia said.
He added that through close coordination with the Network Manager and neighbouring countries, Malta’s Area Control Centre (ACC) became “a central element in Europe’s response to the crisis, helping to reduce delays and maintain stable operations for a number of international airlines”.
“Despite significant pressure on resources and the impact on airport operations, the professionalism and flexibility of MATS employees ensured that services remained safe, efficient and reliable throughout this demanding period.”
Speaking at a visit to MATS, Transport Minister Chris Bonett announced that the control tower will “soon” receive a €500,000 upgrade with “the most modern technology capable of meeting the growing workload faced by MATS”.
MATS will be stepping up its investment in human resources and technological advancement in order to further strengthen its strategic role in European aviation and to provide an increasingly safe, efficient and modern service.