Malta International Airport is embarking on a €12.5 million Airfield Electrification Programme aimed at significantly reducing emissions while strengthening the airport’s long-term sustainability strategy.

The investment is expected to avoid an average of 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually and is scheduled for completion by 2028, ahead of European regulatory deadlines requiring airports within the Trans-European Network to provide grid electricity to remote aircraft parking stands.

Describing it as the airport’s “most ambitious project yet”, Justine Baldacchino, Head of Sustainability and Analytics at Malta International Airport, said the initiative forms part of a wider roadmap focused on low-emission technologies and expanded solar power use.

“By embarking on our most ambitious project yet, we are reaffirming our commitment to address Scope 3 emissions, while contributing to Malta’s climate targets and the wider European airport industry’s journey towards decarbonisation,” she said.

The programme will introduce 35 hatch-pit systems supplying parked aircraft with direct electricity during ground operations, reducing reliance on diesel-powered Ground Power Units. Areas where hatch-pit installation is not technically possible will instead be supported by mobile battery-powered systems and 20 charging points. A further 15 electric bus charging stations will also be installed to assist ground handling operators transitioning towards cleaner transport solutions.

At the core of the investment is a significant upgrade to Malta International Airport’s electrical infrastructure. Plans include five medium-voltage substations, two generators and a strengthened electrical network with a peak installed capacity of 7.5 MVA, integrated into Malta’s national grid to ensure operational reliability.

The project is co-financed by the European Union through a €5.4 million grant under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility, part of the Connecting Europe Facility designed to accelerate transport decarbonisation and contribute towards Europe’s climate neutrality targets by 2050.

The investment forms part of Malta International Airport’s wider growth and sustainability strategy. In early 2025, the company announced a €345 million five-year investment programme focused on infrastructure, operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Malta International Airport welcomed more than 10 million passengers in 2025, connecting Malta to 111 airports across 37 markets through 34 airline partners. The airport also expanded its terminal facilities, commissioned its fifth photovoltaic farm and became the first airport in the European Union to achieve ISO 45003 certification recognising psychosocial wellbeing initiatives for employees.

The airport currently holds Level 3+ neutrality status under Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme as part of its broader Net Zero roadmap.