On completion of the renovation works, the main departures store commercial area will cover around 1,400 m² and will be located on level 1 of Malta International Airport’s departure hall. The renovation of the main store will include an improved walk-through passenger flow and will increase the space by 420 m². The last minute and arrivals stores are also included in the new agreement and the arrivals store has a new location and increases in size as part of the remodeling project.

The product offer will include a range of products across the traditional travel retail categories; Beauty, Liquor, Confectionery, Tobacco, and well as Souvenirs and Toys. A ‘Beauty Studio’ has been incorporated into the new store design for passengers to try products before buying and receive specialist advice from the consultants in store.

Most travelers who fly through Malta International Airport are tourist passengers and the departure store’s commercial offer and design draw inspiration from Maltese culture and heritage to create a strong sense of place and lasting memory of the island. To complement this, a ‘Spirit of Malta’ area will be incorporated into the main departures store, with a selection of local products from the island.

The renovation works will begin this autumn and conclude in April 2018. The process will be carried out in phases to ensure minimal disruption to passengers, with the store remaining open throughout the renovation period.

Dufry currently operates a retail space of 1,326 m² at Malta International Airport, spread across 4 stores and has been a key driver of Malta International Airport’s non-aeronautical revenue since commencing operations at this location in 2005. As part of the airport’s plans to increase and improve the departures area, with the aim of upgrading travellers’ shopping experience and giving them an authentic sense of place, the new project is designed to give passengers a delightful and lasting first and last impression of Malta.

Pedro Castro, Division CEO for Southern Europe & Africa, stated: ‘We are delighted to have signed this agreement and to have the opportunity to continue working with this great airport partner. We thank them for their confidence in Dufry to be part of the airport’s development. We are positive that our joint collaboration and planning will offer passengers a happy and memorable experience when travelling through Malta International Airport’.

Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport added: ‘In recent years, we have been putting more effort in transforming the airport journey into an experience that delights travelers, and gives guests a first and last impression of our islands. We are confident that a revamped duty free store having a strong Maltese identity will continue to enhance the passenger experience’.