Passengers are being warned that they likely to encounter some disruption at the Malta International Airport terminal in the coming days due to the phased implementation of the new Central Security Screening Area.

The bulk of the migration will take place this week with the switch-over scheduled to take place between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The airport has advised that the entire area, which is currently located on the ground floor of the terminal building, is being gradually relocated to the first floor, where it will occupy a much bigger footprint.

It also said that all the critical security infrastructure will be active as of this date, “however works will continue in the area over the next month to commission other equipment, which would have a limited impact on the passenger experience.”

The new security area is twice the size of the existing one and, once completed, will benefit from state-of-the-art equipment including new screening technology, boarding pass readers and tray return systems., the airport said.

Other features will include a 180-metre queueing section as well as six lanes, natural light, and a fast track option for business travellers and parents with young children.

“Making such a move in a fully operational airport is a major undertaking and we will be doing everything possible to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. However, our focus will be on assuring that our security procedures are not compromised during this process. We thus strongly urge passengers to arrive at the terminal at least two hours ahead of their scheduled departure,” MIA Head of Security Patrick Murgo said.

He added that “this is a temporary growing pain without which we cannot develop further, so we thank our guests and the public for their cooperation at a time when our terminal is undergoing a metamorphosis.”

Murgo went on to say that MIA “apologises for any inconvenience, but we are confident that travellers will appreciate the significant upgrades we are making, even in this temporary Central Screening Area, as we continue on our mission to complete the permanent area in 2018.”

After the new security area is fully operational, the upgrading project will shift to the check-in hall, which will also benefit from a new look and improved facilities.

For more information, visit www.maltairport.com.

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