UK retakes top spot among Malta International Airport’s largest markets in August

Air travellers from the UK were the most numerous arrivals in August, according to data released by Malta International Airport (MIA), marking the first time since the onset of the pandemic in April 2020 that Malta’s traditionally largest tourist market took the spot.

With its total of 99,881 passenger movements registered, the United Kingdom outperformed Italy, and contributed nearly a quarter of the 407,435 passengers travelling through the airport as the summer holiday season peaked.

This overall figure was roughly half that recorded in August 2019 and flights were generally less full compared to the same period pre-pandemic, carrying an average of 111 passengers, 28 per cent down compared to August 2019.

Commenting on its outlook, the airport stated: “Although August’s traffic results surpassed initial expectations, the travel industry remains in the shadow of changing entry requirements, uncertainty, and short-term planning, as the aviation winter season looms on the horizon.

“MIA is currently working with partner airlines towards finalising a flight schedule for the upcoming season”, it added.