Figures published by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Friday show that a total of 1.6 million passengers travelled between Mġarr and Ċirkewwa during the third quarter of 2024. This reflects a decrease of 3.2 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023.
Overall, the number of trips between Mġarr and Valletta during the third quarter amounted to 9,226, an increase of 0.2 per cent over the same period in 2023.
Notably, August registered the highest number of trips (3,122) or 33.8 per cent of total trips for the quarter. This coincides with the yearly tradition of many locals travelling to Gozo to celebrate Santa Marija.
Overall, between January and September 2024, passenger traffic from the Mġarr terminal was busiest on Sundays and Saturdays, while vehicle traffic was highest on Sundays and Mondays. On the other hand, passenger and vehicle traffic originating from Ċirkewwa was busiest on Fridays and Saturdays.
On the other hand, trips between Mġarr and Valletta through the use of the fast ferry service, amounted to 2,773, carrying a total of 320,199 passengers.
When compared to the same quarter in 2023, the number of trips between the two locations increased by 5.2 per cent and the number of passengers increased by 20.5 per cent.
Again, August marked the busiest month for travel between Mġarr and Valletta with a total of 977 (35.2 per cent) of total trips for the quarter and the highest number of passengers 120,220 (37.5 per cent).
From 1st September 2025, vehicles seeking vintage status must undergo a physical inspection by the official classification committee
The figure stands in stark contrast to the estimated €5 million total spend
Meanwhile, aircraft traffic movement rose by 4.5 per cent year on year