Malta International Airport this week opened its new multi-storey car park – Park East – less than two years after construction works on the €20 million investment were kick-started.

MIA said that Park East will further enhance the airport experience in line with the company’s vision of service excellence - especially once passenger traffic starts to pick up - through the provision of around 1,300 covered parking spaces which will shelter users’ vehicles from the elements.

The complex also provides a centralised area of operation for 17 car rental companies. This is expected to simplify the car rental process as travelling guests will be able to pick up and drop off their vehicle, as well as settle any related paperwork, in one place.

The multi-storey car park will be connected directly to the main terminal building through an underground tunnel and a covered walkway, works on which are currently underway.

The car park’s open-air level, which accommodates more than 450 parking spaces for airport employees and stakeholders, has been earmarked for the installation of a photovoltaic system next year.

Given that the amount of clean energy generated by the system is expected to equal the amount of energy used on site annually, the car park will be a net-zero energy building.

The Park East project was one of two major investments which were not put on hold by the company in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, given that works had already advanced significantly in 2020. Park East is expected to bolster the company’s non-aviation segment and support Malta International Airport’s medium-term recovery.