Malta Air Traffic Services (MATS) has successfully completed improvement works to its control tower, an investment that will allow for more efficient use of existing space and increase operational capacity.
This project forms part of a wider planned investment plan to address the increased demand that the aviation sector has experienced over recent years, in particular the connectivity and number of flights from Malta International Airport. With new and more frequent routes, it was essential that the Control Tower was equipped to cater for the increased demand and continue to guarantee the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
The works were planned for a period of the year when demand is lower, while also being coordinated with other maintenance interventions already scheduled at the airport. This was done to ensure that there was no disruption to flights and that airport operations continued uninterrupted.
This project forms part of a half-million euro investment announced by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett during a visit he made last January to the MATS facilities. During that visit it was announced that Malta had registered a record number of flights in 2025, both those using the Maltese airport and those passing through Maltese airspace. Minister Bonett said “The investments being made are part of a long-term national vision that looks towards 2050, so that Malta continues to strengthen its connectivity with the world while growing the aviation sector which is one of the economic pillars of the country.”
Malta Air Traffic Services CEO, Claude Mallia explained how this work is part of MATS’s plan to introduce more modern technology to facilitate operations. He said that in the coming years, MATS will continue to invest in various aspects of operations so that workers have modern tools and technology to continue offering this essential service.
Adrian Vassallo, Senior Head Tower, Operations Section explained how this work has been planned for over a year in preparation for the upcoming summer when the volume of aircraft using Malta International Airport is expected to increase by at least 6%. This has led to the need for more controllers to be present to ensure that MATS continues to offer an efficient and high-level service.
Through these initiatives, Malta is continuing to invest in modern technology that supports economic growth and strengthens our country’s reputation as a strategic aviation hub in the Mediterranean.
Photo: MTIP
