Malta International Airport

Malta International Airport is more than just a transport hub; it is the sole aerial gateway to this sun-drenched archipelago, warmly welcoming guests from all over the world. Located just a few kilometres from the historic capital, it combines Mediterranean hospitality with modern efficiency, allowing travellers to instantly immerse themselves in a holiday atmosphere. Your acquaintance with the legends of the Knights and azure lagoons begins here, and this start promises to be as comfortable and swift as possible.

Malta's airport has repeatedly been recognised as one of the best in Europe in its category, thanks to a number of unique advantages:

Compactness and Navigation: The terminal is designed so logically that getting lost is practically impossible. All departure and arrival zones are within walking distance, which significantly saves passengers' time.

Observation Deck: One of the airport's highlights is the publicly accessible observation terrace. It is open to everyone free of charge and offers a breathtaking view of the runway — an ideal spot for plane spotting or bidding farewell to the island before departure.

Proximity to Resorts: Due to the island's small size, transfers from the airport to most popular tourist destinations, including Sliema and St. Julian's, take minimal time. Public transport (bus lines X1, X2, X3, X4) stops right outside the terminal exit.

Comfortable Waiting: Despite its compact size, there is an excellent selection of Duty Free shops, cafés (including Hard Rock Cafe), and the La Valette Club business lounge, offering a high level of service.

• Official Website: www.maltairport.com
• Help Desk Phone: +356 2124 9600
• Address: Malta International Airport, Luqa LQA 4000, Malta
• Email: You can contact the airport via the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport maintains active pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage during a flight, you should first contact your airline's representative. If you have lost an item within the terminal, contact the airport's Lost & Found office at: +356 2369 6135.
• Passenger Support Service: For general information and assistance, please call the main airport number: +356 2124 9600.

Getting to Malta International Airport (MLA), the only one on the archipelago, is quite simple from any point on the island. It is located approximately 8 km southwest of the capital, Valletta, and serves as the main transport hub for all travellers. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods.

The most economical option is public transport. Malta Public Transport offers several express routes, designated by the letter "X", connecting the airport with key cities and resorts. For example, bus X4 will take you to Valletta, X2 to the popular St. Julian's and Sliema, and X1 goes to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal, from where you can sail to the island of Gozo. The trip to the centre of Valletta takes about 25–30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at machines in the arrivals hall; the cost is very reasonable.

For those who value comfort and speed, taxis or pre-booked transfers are the ideal choice. Official white taxis can be found at a designated stand outside the terminal exit. Fares to major tourist destinations are fixed — you can check and pay for them in advance at a booth in the arrivals hall, eliminating any price surprises. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer online, which is particularly convenient for families with children or large groups with bulky luggage.

If you plan to actively explore the island, consider car rental. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are present at the airport. You can pick up a car immediately upon arrival and return it here before departure. This gives you complete freedom of movement, but remember that driving in Malta is on the left-hand side. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays is provided.

Malta International Airport (MLA) is distinguished by a structure that is thoughtful and convenient for passengers. Its most important feature is that it operates with just one passenger terminal, which handles both international and domestic flights (though there are virtually none of the latter). This significantly simplifies navigation and spares travellers the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The building is divided into several levels. On the Ground Floor, you will find the Arrivals area (Baggage Reclaim) and Check-in counters. After checking in, passengers proceed to the upper level, where the Departures area is located. Here, travellers pass through security screening and then passport control, which separates flows into Schengen and Non-Schengen zones. All navigation is accompanied by clear signage in English and Maltese.

Check-in and screening procedures at Malta airport typically proceed quite quickly, especially during the low season. However, during peak summer months and for morning/evening flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance — approximately 2.5–3 hours before your international flight departs. This will give you enough time to check in luggage without rushing, complete all formalities, and enjoy the amenities of the departure lounge.

After passing security control, passengers enter a spacious area with Duty-Free shops, various cafés, restaurants, and souvenir stalls. For ease of navigation, all boarding gates are clearly numbered and grouped. Since there is only one terminal, you do not need to worry about long transfers. Simply follow the signs to your gate number, and you will easily find your way.

The history of Malta's main airport is closely intertwined with the most significant events of the 20th century. Its predecessor was the military airfield RAF Luqa, built by the British Royal Air Force in the late 1930s. During World War II, the airfield played a strategically vital role in the island's defence, becoming one of the most active airbases in the Mediterranean. It was from here that the aircraft defending Malta during the famous siege took off.

After the war, with the growing popularity of air travel, the need arose to service civil flights. The first passenger terminal in Luqa was opened in 1958. It was a modest but functional building that marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Maltese aviation and tourism. However, with the increase in tourist flow after Malta gained independence, the old terminal could no longer cope with the load.

The decision to build a new, modern airport complex was made in 1987, and by 1992, Malta International Airport officially opened its doors in its current form. The old Luqa terminal was decommissioned and closed. This event became a key stage in the development of the country's infrastructure, allowing for a significant increase in capacity and improved passenger service quality.

Since its opening in 1992, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation and expansion. In 2002, it was privatised, which provided new impetus for investment in development. Today, it is the only airport serving the Maltese archipelago, and it regularly receives high ratings and awards for service quality. An interesting fact: despite its long and rich history, the airport still uses runways originally built for military purposes, though naturally, they have been fully reconstructed and equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Malta International Airport (MLA) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything you need here for a pleasant start or end to your journey.

For those wishing to have a snack or go shopping, the airport features numerous cafés, dining outlets, and restaurants to suit every taste — from fast food establishments to places where you can enjoy a quiet dinner. In the departures area, there is a large Duty Free shop offering a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, tobacco products, and local delicacies. Additionally, there are bookstores, souvenir shops, and fashion boutiques.

For a comfortable rest while waiting for a flight, passengers can use the services of the La Valette Club lounges, which offer a secluded atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and work zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices will allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are at your service. To ensure the safety and health of passengers, a medical centre and pharmacy operate around the clock, where you can receive qualified assistance or purchase necessary medications.

Families with children will appreciate the dedicated play area where young travellers can have fun before the flight, as well as mother and child rooms. For passengers with reduced mobility, all necessary conditions are provided: ramps, special restrooms, and assistance services, which are recommended to be booked in advance through your airline.

If you have an early departure or a long layover, hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. For business travellers, the airport offers conference rooms and business services, making it a convenient venue for meetings and events.

At Malta International Airport (MLA), you will find plenty of options for a snack or a full meal, catering to different tastes and budgets. Dining establishments are conveniently located both in the public area (before security control) and in the departures area.

Before Security Control (Landside)

If you have time before check-in or are meeting arrivals, there are several excellent options in the public zone. On the lower level (-1), there is a food court where you can find popular fast-food chains such as Burger King and KFC, which is ideal for families and those looking for familiar dishes. On the departures level (Level 1), you will find McDonald's, and in the arrivals hall, a 24-hour Costa Coffee café, where you can have coffee and a sandwich or pastry at any time of the day or night.

After Security Control (Airside)

In the departures zone, the choice is even wider. Here you can relax before your flight in one of the numerous cafés or lounges. For a quick and healthy snack, visit Dr. Juice, which serves fresh juices, smoothies, and salads. If you wish to enjoy a refreshing drink, various lounges are at your service. For a more substantial meal, you can choose one of the establishments offering international cuisine, such as the Hard Rock Bar, which serves famous burgers and snacks. There are also several cafés here where you can order pizza, pasta, or salads.

Local Cuisine and Special Recommendations

Be sure to try traditional Maltese pastries — pastizzi (flaky pastries with ricotta or pea filling). They can often be found on the menu even in international cafés at the airport. This is a great and inexpensive way to get acquainted with local gastronomy. For a full lunch, look for sandwiches on Maltese bread called ftira — they are filling and very delicious.

Most establishments offer vegetarian dishes. Vegan or gluten-free options are also available, but it is best to check the ingredients with the staff. The price range varies: from €5-€10 for a quick snack and coffee to €15-€30 and above for a full meal in a restaurant. Most venues in the departures area operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the last plane departs.

Planning a trip through Malta International Airport? Here are a few tips to make your journey more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in: It is strongly recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before your international flight, especially during the summer months. To save time, check in for your flight online and, if travelling without luggage, head straight to security control. The airport itself is not huge, but queues can be significant during peak hours.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: Want to take beautiful photos of the islands from above? Choose a window seat. For greater comfort, especially on longer flights, an aisle seat is better suited. Remember the standard rules for hand luggage: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Always check the specific requirements of your airline to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Connecting Passengers: Malta Airport has one terminal, making transfers very convenient. Follow the "Flight Connections" signs, and you will easily find your next boarding gate. Transfer times are usually short, but always allow a small margin.

Customs Control: If you are arriving from a country outside the Schengen Area or the EU, you will need to pass through passport and customs control. be ready to present your passport and, if necessary, a visa. For travellers from the EU, the procedure is simplified as much as possible — usually, it is sufficient to pass through the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare.

Savings and Hacks: To save on transport to your hotel, consider using the official bus routes (lines "X") that depart directly from the terminal — this is the most budget-friendly option. Also, bring an empty water bottle with you: after passing security control, you can fill it at drinking fountains for free.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, contact your airline's counter for the latest information. According to regulations, for long delays, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. During this time, you can explore the Duty Free shops, have a snack in one of the numerous cafés, or use the paid business lounge for a more comfortable wait.