Malta International Airport is the country’s sole air gateway, connecting the island to more than 100 destinations across Europe and beyond. In 2024, the airport handled over 8.9 million passengers – an all-time high. As traffic continues to grow, MLA is undertaking a phased investment programme to increase capacity, streamline operations, and strengthen resilience across its core infrastructure.

Within the central screening area, the cabin baggage checkpoint was operating at full capacity, becoming increasingly strained during peak hours. The existing configuration – seven automated lanes with conventional X-ray systems – was no longer sufficient to manage rising passenger volumes efficiently. With no room to expand the physical footprint, MLA required a solution that could deliver higher throughput and stronger detection performance within the existing infrastructure.

Key priorities included:

• Reducing passenger queuing and wait times
• Improving the operator experience
• Introducing centralised, remote screening
• Complying with new EU requirements for Standard 3 CT screening of cabin baggage

Following a competitive procurement process, Smiths Detection was selected to deliver a complete checkpoint transformation. The solution included:

• 6 x HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S - advanced CT scanners for cabin baggage, enabling passengers to leave electronics and liquids in their bags
• 6 x Cassioli Fast2Check lanes - high-performance automated tray handling to increase flow and minimise bottlenecks
• Remote screening architecture - featuring a dedicated control room and redundant matrix server, allowing all image analysis to be centralised and streamlined
• 7-year full-risk service contract - ensuring consistent performance, fast response times, and predictable operating costs

The project was delivered in phases, with the final lane commissioned in January 2025.

MLA chose Smiths Detection based on:

• A 20-year relationship with Smiths supplying all checkpoint and ETD systems since the early 2000s
• High technical evaluation scores - particularly for lane design, material quality, and resilient networking architecture
• A compact, well-integrated design - meeting all objectives without requiring more space or staff

The Smiths Detection solution demonstrated a clear understanding of MIA’s operational environment, delivering both functional and logistical advantages.

The upgraded checkpoint has significantly reduced queuing times and improved flow at the busiest point in the terminal. Passengers now experience a faster, less intrusive screening process, while operators benefit from centralised image analysis and smoother throughput.

Importantly, the new systems allow MLA to absorb further growth without expanding the checkpoint footprint, helping free up space and resources ahead of the terminal expansion planned for 2027-2030 under the airport’s long-term infrastructure master plan.