Airfield Electrification Initiative begins at Malta International Airport

Malta International Airport has launched a €12.5 million Airfield Electrification Programme designed to cut emissions and accelerate the airport’s transition to cleaner ground operations.

Scheduled for completion by 2028, the initiative is expected to eliminate around 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually while helping the airport meet European Union decarbonisation targets ahead of regulatory deadlines.

The programme will introduce 35 hatch-pit systems allowing parked aircraft to connect directly to electricity during turnaround operations, reducing reliance on diesel-powered Ground Power Units (GPUs). Where fixed systems are not feasible, the airport will deploy battery-powered mobile GPUs supported by 20 dedicated charging points. An additional 15 electric bus charging stations will support ground handling operators shifting to low-emission vehicle fleets.

The project also includes major upgrades to the airport’s electrical infrastructure, including new substations, generators and an expanded power network. The initiative is co-financed through a €5.4 million European Union grant under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF).

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