Malta International Airport has welcomed its 3.5 millionth passenger for 2012, which was estimated as coming in on Air Malta flight KM613 from Rome.

The passenger, 14-year-old Flaminia Iannone from Rome, was welcomed at Malta Airport’s La Valette Lounge by Malta Airport CEO Markus Klaushofer and Malta Tourism Authority CEO, Josef Formosa Gauci.

When commenting about this milestone, Mr Klaushofer said that this was the second time in its history that Malta Airport has reached the 3.5 millionth mark in a year, following last year’s record.

“We are very pleased that we have reached this target for the second consecutive year. From our estimates thus far, it turns out that we are going to end the year with a record number of passenger movements, which is the fourth record year in the last five years. This result is due to the close collaboration with all stakeholders: our airline clients, in particular our home carrier Air Malta, the Malta Tourism Authority, government and the Malta Hotels & Restaurants’ Association,” Mr Klaushofer added.

Mr Formosa Gauci added that: “It gives me great pleasure, today, to be present for Malta Airport’s attainment of yet another important landmark result. In past years, we had been welcoming the 3 millionth passenger at our airport. The fact we have started celebrating the 3.5 millionth one is indeed a certificate that notwithstanding the harsh economic realities in our source markets, we are still doing well. The continuous development of accessibility to Malta is a key factor for the further growth of tourism and these results are for all the industry to enjoy.”

Ms Iannone was presented with a gift to mark the occasion.

Visit Malta, www.visitmalta.com