Updated 1100
Passenger traffic through MIA increased by 15% in 2024: Malta International Airport (MIA) handled 8.96 million passengers in 2024, a 14.8% rise from 2023, marking its third-highest growth rate. August was the busiest month, while March saw record growth of 30%, exceeding 600,000 passengers for the first time. Winter traffic grew by 21%, surpassing summer’s 12% growth, with seat occupancy hitting a record 86%. CEO Alan Borg credited Malta’s sustained popularity and highlighted plans for 2025, including connecting to 109 destinations and €70 million in investments. These include a new Schengen arrivals corridor, expanded aircraft parking, a VIP terminal, and a photovoltaic farm for clean energy. Financial targets for 2025 include €147 million in revenue, €91 million EBITDA, and €48 million profit. (The Malta Independent)
Court orders Golden Shepherd Group to pay €12 million over St. Philip’s Hospital debt: The Civil Court ordered Golden Shepherd Group, former operator of St. Philip’s Hospital, to pay €12.1 million to HSBC for unresolved loans. The case ended a prolonged financial and legal dispute over debts originating in 1994, when the company borrowed €4.6 million, later increasing to €7 million in principal debt and €5 million in interest. Golden Shepherd claimed the bank’s interest charges were excessive and that legal action was premature amid ongoing negotiations. However, the court found no evidence of misconduct by HSBC and ruled the interest charges adhered to agreed terms. The company, dissolved in 2023, must cover the debt and legal costs. Judge Mark Simiana presided, with HSBC represented by lawyer Louise Sant Fournier. (Newsbook)
Crackdown on workplace safety; over 20,000 inspections conducted: Last year, over 20,000 workplace inspections were conducted, with 12,750 by the BCA, resulting in 670 fines and 240 stop-work orders—an increase of 19% over the previous year. OHSA carried out 9,400 inspections across diverse sectors, issuing 550 penalties, 331 stop-work orders, and 960 improvement notices. Authorities also handled 14,000 construction helpline inquiries. Dr. Josianne Cutajar emphasised the impact of resource investments on workplace safety improvements, while Architect Roderick Bonnici praised collaborative efforts to enhance safety regulations. Contrary to earlier reports, only 9,400 inspections occurred outside construction, correcting the misconception that all inspections targeted construction sites. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
ID cards scandal: Two charged with money laundering
A man and a woman were charged on Thursday with money laundering, human trafficking, and forging documents using stolen identities from Identità. Maria Rita Spiteri, 32, a former Identità employee, and car dealer Bernard Attard, 33, were accused of offences, including fraud and bribery, committed between October 2019 and March 2023. Both pleaded not guilty. Inspector Christian Abdilla stated that a 2023 investigation into fraudulent residence documents led to five arrests, with suspects claiming Spiteri and Attard were involved. The pair were arrested in July 2024. Bail was denied due to concerns over evidence tampering, and their assets were frozen. (Maltatoday)
Education Minister shares disapproval to longer school hours
Education Minister Clifton Grima has expressed opposition to extending school hours, emphasising that children’s well-being must remain the top priority in decisions about the education system. His remarks followed a statement by Labour backbencher Edward Zammit Lewis, who suggested that longer school hours could better align with standard work schedules. The Minister insisted that the education system should revolve around children’s well-being. He underscored the importance of family in a child’s development, stressing that children need quality time at home. “We must avoid a scenario where children only go home to sleep,” he added. (Times of Malta)
Trips cancelled as gale force winds forecasted
Malta is bracing for gale-force winds later on today, with gusts potentially reaching Force 9 in the afternoon, according to the MET Office. Strong wind warnings are expected to stay in effect until Saturday. Virtu Ferries has cancelled all trips to Sicily, and the fast ferry service between Gozo and Valletta has been suspended. Malta International Airport’s marine forecast predicts cloudy skies, thundery showers with hail, and very rough seas. Windfinder.com forecasts wind speeds starting at Force 5 in the early morning, intensifying to Force 8 by midday, with the strongest winds expected between 10 am and 4 pm. (Newsbook)
