Malta Airport Launches Major East Expansion with New Terminal by 2028

Malta International Airport (MLA) has officially kicked off one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Malta’s aviation history. The East Expansion, a major development forming part of a €345 million investment programme, will deliver a brand new 6,000 square metre terminal building by 2028 - and it signals a clear commitment to future-proofing Malta's capacity to attract and accommodate a growing number of visitors.

Announced at a press conference by MLA Chief Executive Officer Alan Borg alongside Prime Minister Robert Abela, the project represents the largest single investment the airport has undertaken since its privatisation. At its core, the expansion is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing Malta's tourism industry: handling peak-season demand efficiently and seamlessly. During the busiest summer periods, MLA currently processes up to 2,500 departing passengers per hour, and the new terminal will be purpose-built to manage that volume and beyond with ease.

Prime Minister Abela framed the project as a strategic investment that sits squarely within Malta Vision 2050, the government's long-term blueprint for developing the tourism sector in a sustainable and value-led way. The East Expansion is not just about capacity - it is about the impression Malta leaves on the millions of visitors who pass through its doors each year. As Prime Minister Abela put it, the development is expected to ensure that departing passengers leave with a strong sense of Malta's identity and long-term ambitions.

Sustainability is at the centre of the design. The building will feature extensive use of glass and high-performance glazing to flood the space with natural daylight while keeping energy consumption low. Photovoltaic panels will support on-site clean energy generation, while landscaped green areas planted with drought-tolerant species will add both environmental resilience and visual appeal.

For businesses operating in Malta's tourism and hospitality sectors, the expansion is a significant vote of confidence in the future of the Maltese islands.