The Design Solution (TDS), a specialist in airport commercial planning and retail design, has announced it has been appointed by Malta International Airport to provide specialist planning and design support for the first phase of the latest major development programme at the airport, the largest development project since the airport’s opening in March 1992.

Working in partnership with Malta-based architects and project management specialists QP, the airport’s Eastern Expansion project has just been submitted for planning and involves an expansion to the check-in hall as well as a major expansion of the departure lounge and the associated gate area.

At the heart of the expansion programme is the departure lounge expansion, a double-height space that will amplify the perception of spaciousness and create a more calming airport environment.

The Design Solution Managing Director, Robbie Gill commented: ”We are proud to have a long and highly effective relationship with Malta International Airport and are delighted to support the management team in the latest phase of the airport’s long-term development.

“As the airport’s traffic continues to expand it is crucial to optimise the utilisation of valuable terminal space, supporting the efficiency of passenger processing and further enhancing the quality of the passenger’s airport journey.

“Malta International Airport was recently voted among the top airports in Europe in the ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) awards for the seventh year in a row, demonstrating the airport’s sustained commitment to achieving an exceptional passenger experience, and I’m certain that this latest development project will help them continue to deliver that service excellence in the future.”

Planning for the project dates back to 2019 when TDS were appointed to masterplan the future growth of the terminal which involved the expansion of passenger facilities including check-in, baggage reclaim, security, transfer and arrivals as well as the departure lounge and associated gates. This vision is part of an updated €345m investment programme aimed at enhancing the operational, commercial and sustainability aspects of the airport. In the largest scale development project in the airport’s 33-year history, the development is focused on future-proofing the airport’s infrastructure and was planned to be implemented in a number of project phases.

As well as the Eastern Extension, the airport is seeking to expand the landside offer to enhance the commercial facilities and further grow its appeal to passengers, staff and the local community. The core area between Arrivals and Departures has been designed to reflect the spirit of Malta, particularly through the use of local limestone together with other traditional features.

Malta International Airport CEO, Alan Borg added: “Our updated investment programme, particularly the Eastward Expansion, reaffirms our commitment to continue evolving Malta International Airport to further improve the guest experience. Most importantly, this is the first step towards realising an ambitious master plan that puts passengers at the forefront of our vision for the airport.

“Despite the pressures of record traffic and significant infrastructure upgrades, our team remained committed to the consistent delivery of a smooth and enjoyable airport experience for every passenger. That commitment is reflected in the fact that Malta International Airport once again ranked among Europe’s best airports in this year’s ACI ASQ awards, an industry recognition that is determined by the most important judge of all, the passenger.”

TDS has a long association with Malta International Airport, working with the airport since 2007 on a series of major development phases, including radical reconfiguration of the terminal space and the relocation of several operational elements, including Security, and the expansion of space to create a new walk-through duty free shop and airline lounges.

Almost nine million (8.9M) passengers flew through Malta International Airport last year, a growth of 15% compared to 2023 in results that marked the airport’s third-largest-ever annual growth as it continues its steady recovery from the 2020 crisis period. Most recently, that recovery was further emphasised by record traffic (560,553 passengers) in February 2025, reflecting an 18.2% increase over the same month in 2024.