Environment Ministry and ERA Announce Reform In Environmental Permits

Mar 11 2025

The Ministry for the Environment and the Environment Resources Authority (ERA) have announced upcoming reforms to environmental permits, with new regulations set to be published in the coming days.

During a press briefing, Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli and ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca outlined the reforms, which build on the Environmental Protection Act. The changes follow a public consultation process and aim to raise environmental standards.

The new regulations focus on three key areas: enforcing higher environmental standards, increasing public participation, and ensuring fair competition among operators.

Some activities will now be regulated for the first time, while citizens will have more opportunities to be involved in the permitting process.

Minister Dalli emphasised the government’s commitment to greater public involvement, stating that the reforms grant new rights in both principle and practice. ERA will implement stricter environmental standards while balancing sustainability with public concerns.

A key change is the expansion of public consultation beyond industrial operations to include various other activities.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca described the reforms as a major step forward in environmental protection, reinforcing the authority’s mission to promote sustainable practices while ensuring transparency and fairness.

Photo Credits : Clodagh O’Neil DOI

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8.96 Million Passengers Welcomed By Malta Airport Last Year

Mar 11 2025

Malta International Airport recorded 560,553 passengers in February 2025, marking an 18.2% increase over the same period in 2024.

This growth aligned with a 22.8% rise in aircraft movements and a 21.1% increase in seat capacity, with the seat load factor reaching 80.5%.

Italy remained the top market for passenger traffic (19.2% share), followed by the UK (18.3%), Poland (11.4%), Germany (7.1%), and Spain (6.2%).

In 2024, the airport welcomed 8.96 million passengers, a 15% increase over the previous year. This was supported by 109 flight connections and major infrastructure projects, including four new aircraft parking stands under the Apron 8 South project, new CT scanners, and an additional baggage reclaim belt.

The airport’s service excellence was recognised by Airports Council International, earning it the ‘Best Airport’ award and Level 4 of the Airport Customer Experience Accreditation.

Sustainability efforts advanced with the publication of the Net Zero Carbon Plan, promotion to Level 3 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, and the launch of a €4 million photovoltaic farm.

The Malta Airport Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary, continuing its work in cultural and environmental preservation.

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Malta’s Airport Ranked Among Best In Europe For 7th Year

Mar 11 2025

Malta International Airport has once again been recognised among Europe’s top airports for service quality in the 5 to 15 million passenger category, marking its seventh consecutive year of distinction by Airports Council International.

The ranking is based on direct feedback from departing passengers collected through the globally recognised Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey, which evaluates 367 airports across 95 countries.

Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting that welcoming nearly 9 million passengers in a year while maintaining exceptional service standards is a testament to the team’s dedication.

“Despite record traffic and significant infrastructure upgrades, our team remained committed to delivering a smooth and enjoyable airport experience. I am proud to see Malta International Airport once again ranked among Europe’s best,” he said.

With an overall satisfaction score of 4.39 out of 5, the airport secured a place among the top 8 of 119 participating airports in Europe.

High ratings were received across most of the 34 key performance indicators, including terminal ambiance, cleanliness, staff courtesy, and ease of way-finding.

Additionally, the airport reported 560,553 passengers in February, reflecting an 18.2% increase over the same month in 2024, alongside notable growth in aircraft movements and seat capacity.

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Chanelle Surprises Niece With School Pick Up

Mar 11 2025

Taking to social media, latest Big Brother Malta contestant to be evicted from house, Chanelle, surprised her niece Rhea with a school pick up after almost 2 months.

Rhea was immediately excited to see her beloved aunt after she had been away for the local TV show.

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Going in for a hug, Chanelle chanted ‘auntie Cha’, a thing the two used to do before her time on Big Brother.

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