Schengen Treaty implementation at MIA

Malta's membership of the European Union and the adherence to the Schengen Treaty has led Malta International Airport plc to ensure that works linked to the agreement are completed within the stipulated datelines.

Preliminary works at MIA for the implementation of Schengen requirements have already been initiated and are on schedule, MIA said.

The Schengen Treaty, signed by most EU member states, aims to alleviate border control between signatory states. This effectively creates a single and wider external border whereby immigration control procedures are common to all adhering countries.

The MIA project involves a Lm1.5 million investment and should be completed by the first quarter of 2007.

This comprises the expansion of the air terminal to provide a Schengen arrivals' area complete with all facilities and a direct transfer access to the respective Schengen and non-Schengen areas at the departure area.

Other works include new retail outlets, the relocation of services and the structural segregation of Schengen and non-Schengen areas.