Malta Airport Announces €345 Million Investment

Feb 26 2025

Malta International Airport (MIA) has unveiled an updated €345 million investment programme aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, commercial facilities, and sustainability between 2025 and 2029.

Speaking at a press conference, MIA CEO Alan Borg highlighted that these investments build upon recent infrastructure upgrades to future-proof the airport.

Among the key projects set for completion in 2025 is the Apron 8 South expansion, which will increase aircraft parking capacity by 40%.

Additionally, the Westward Expansion has added 1,550 square metres to the terminal, improving the arrivals experience.

The airport’s next major project, the Eastward Expansion, will extend the terminal by 6,000 square metres, introducing more gates, check-in desks, and circulation space for departing passengers. The new facility will be directly linked to the Park East multi-storey car park for greater convenience.

Borg emphasised that the expansion reflects MIA’s commitment to improving passenger experience while integrating modern design with the airport’s heritage.

The investment programme also supports the airport’s environmental goals, particularly its net-zero target. A new photovoltaic farm, expected to more than double clean energy production by Q3 2025, will be complemented by upgraded energy-efficient HVAC systems.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg praised the initiative, stressing the importance of air connectivity for Malta’s tourism industry. He reaffirmed the government’s support for investments that enhance efficiency, digital transition, and sustainability.

#MaltaDaily

Hooded Thief Armed With Knife Robs Bormla Shop

Feb 26 2025

Earlier today, at around 0300hrs, police were informed that a robbery had taken place at a shop on Triq San Pawl, Bormla.

Police convened on site and found that a man wearing a hoodie and allegedly armed with a knife entered the shop and demanded money from the cashier, a 30 year old woman.

The man ran away after having stolen an amount of cash. No one was injured, with police continuing their search for the theft.

An inquiry has also been opened.

#MaltaDaily

Gaffiero Productions Shares Past Of Karl, Erika & Sean In Modelling

Feb 26 2025

Taking to social media, Gaffiero Productions shared old footage of three of Big Brother Malta’s contestants – Karl, Erika and Sean – in their stint at modelling!

The footage shows Karl in 2005, Erika in 2011 and Sean in 2011 as they walked down the cat walk and onto the stage as they younger models.

Who knew!

#MaltaDaily

Joseph Muscat Hails POTUS’ Gold Card Scheme

Feb 26 2025

US President Donald Trump announced plans to introduce a “gold card” for wealthy foreigners, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. with a path to citizenship for a $5 million fee.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump compared it to the existing green card but emphasised its exclusive benefits.

Trump estimated that millions of these cards could be sold and did not rule out offering them to Russian oligarchs, stating that some were “very nice people.”

The program, set to launch within two weeks, would replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which grants green cards to foreign investors who create jobs in the U.S.

Backing the move was former Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

‘The American government will be launching a program so that international investors paying $5 million are given a Resident’s Permit, opening their path to citizenship and a passport.’

‘President Donald Trump announced the move yesterday. I stop here.’

The local golden passport scheme allowed foreigners to purchase EU citizenship in exchange for an investment of over €696K into the country.

The EU’s top court dismissed the concerns raised by the European Commission, which had taken legal action agains the move.

Back in the US, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, standing alongside Trump, confirmed that applicants would undergo vetting to ensure they are “world-class global citizens.”

The EB-5 program, established in 1992, currently grants green cards to those investing at least $1,050,000—or $800,000 in economically distressed areas—creating jobs for American workers.

Trump’s businesses have previously benefited from the EB-5 program, which faced bipartisan criticism in Congress for straying from its intended purpose.

While the Trump administration attempted to raise investment thresholds in 2019, a federal judge overturned the changes. The program was last updated in 2022 under the Biden administration, with increased investment requirements.

#MaltaDaily