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Sea transport between Malta and Gozo recorded a slowdown in the first quarter of 2026, with the total number of trips falling by 9.0% when compared with the same period in 2025. According to NSO data, 9,579 trips were operated between January and March 2026, down from 10,526 in the first quarter of the previous year.

The decline was also reflected in vehicle movements, which decreased by 5.8%, from 472,813 in Q1 2025 to 445,351 in Q1 2026. Passenger traffic registered a more moderate contraction, falling by 1.1% to 1,511,708 passengers, compared with 1,529,105 a year earlier.

The main Mġarr-Ċirkewwa route showed a mixed performance. While the number of trips on this route declined by 5.7% and vehicles fell by 5.8%, passenger numbers increased slightly by 0.5%, reaching 1,321,358 in the first quarter of 2026. This indicates that, despite fewer crossings and fewer vehicles, passenger demand on the traditional ferry route remained broadly stable.

Monthly figures show that January recorded the sharpest decline on the Mġarr-Ċirkewwa route. Trips fell by 11.4%, vehicles by 14.3%, and passengers by 5.2% compared with January 2025. February partially offset this trend in terms of passenger traffic, with passengers rising by 8.7%, while March registered a smaller passenger decrease of 1.3%.

The Mġarr-Valletta fast ferry service experienced a stronger contraction. In the first quarter of 2026, fast ferry trips decreased by 20.6%, from 2,313 to 1,836, while passenger numbers fell by 11.4%, from 214,811 to 190,350. The fast ferry service carries foot passengers only and does not transport vehicles.

The NSO also notes that sea transport between Malta and Gozo was affected by Storm Harry during the fourth week of 2026, specifically on 20 and 21 January. The data in this release is based on administrative information provided by Gozo Channel Co. Ltd and Transport Malta.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY NSO
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