Air Malta flights and airline information

Air Malta served for decades as the national carrier of Malta, providing a key link between the island nation and major cities in Europe and North Africa. As a classic network airline, it played a strategic role in the development of the country's tourism and economy. Based at Malta International Airport in Valletta, the company offered passengers a full range of services and high standards of hospitality.

A key feature of the carrier was the combination of Maltese hospitality with international standards of safety and comfort. Travelers valued Air Malta for its convenient flight schedules and the choice between economy and business class. The airline actively developed codeshare agreements with leading global airlines such as Lufthansa and Emirates, allowing passengers to easily reach the most remote corners of the world.

The airline's fleet consisted of modern narrow-body aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, which were ideally suited for medium-haul routes. An important milestone in the company's history was the cessation of its operations on March 30, 2024. This decision was part of a large-scale restructuring of national aviation, resulting in the newly formed KM Malta Airlines taking over as the flagship carrier.

Throughout its years of operation, Air Malta was repeatedly recognized for its onboard service quality and punctuality. Although the company has concluded its flight program, it left a significant mark on Mediterranean aviation history. Today, the experience and traditions of the legendary brand live on through new service formats for passengers traveling to Malta.

• Official Website: airmalta.com
• Contact Center: +356 21 66 22 11
• Head Office Phone: +356 22 99 90 00
• Customer Care Email: customercare.airmalta@airmalta.com
• Social Media: Instagram @airmalta, Twitter @airmalta, YouTube channel airmalta, Facebook airmalta.russia
• Head Office Address: Skyparks Business Centre, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000, Malta
• Mobile App: Was available for iOS and Android; current support status is unconfirmed.
• Emergency Support: Inquiries regarding baggage and delays were handled through the main contact center and airport service desks.

Please note that following the cessation of Air Malta flights, for new flight bookings and current support, you should visit the website of the new airline, kmmaltairlines.com.

Baggage rules for Air Malta depended on the selected fare, of which there were several in the company's lineup: from the budget-friendly Go Light to the premium Business class. In the cabin, economy class passengers were allowed to carry one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10 kg, as well as a small personal bag or laptop. Business class passengers could take two pieces on board with a total weight of up to 15 kg, providing additional comfort for business trips.

Checked baggage allowances also varied. Smart and Flex category fares typically included one piece weighing up to 23 kg. For those traveling in business class, conditions were even more flexible: up to two suitcases weighing 32 kg each were permitted. It is important to remember that exceeding weight or size limits required additional payment according to the established rates at the departure airport.

Special attention was given to the transportation of special baggage. Sports equipment, such as diving or golf gear and skis, was accepted for carriage provided the airline was notified in advance. Musical instruments could be transported in the cabin on a separate seat if their dimensions exceeded hand luggage limits. Strollers and car seats for infants were usually carried free of charge in addition to the standard allowance.

Items prohibited from carriage included explosives, flammable liquids, and dangerous chemicals. Standard restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage applied (containers no larger than 100 ml in a transparent bag). Before departure, tourists were advised to pack fragile items carefully and remove old baggage tags to avoid confusion during sorting.

Pet Travel in the Cabin

• Only small domestic animals (dogs and cats) were allowed in the cabin, with a weight not exceeding 8-10 kg including the carrier.
• The container dimensions had to allow the animal to stand and turn around freely, usually not exceeding 45x35x20 cm.
• During the flight, the pet had to remain inside the carrier under the seat in front of the passenger at all times.

Pet Travel in the Cargo Hold

• Larger animals were transported in a heated cargo compartment in special rigid containers that met IATA standards.
• The weight of the animal together with the cage could reach 32 kg or more (by prior arrangement).
• The owner was responsible for ensuring the container had secure locks and absorbent material on the bottom.

Required Documents

• An international veterinary passport with records of all necessary vaccinations, including rabies.
• A microchip complying with ISO standards for animal identification.
• A veterinary certificate issued by official authorities a few days before departure.

Cost and Restrictions

• Pet transportation services were always paid and were not included in the free baggage allowance.
• The airline could limit the number of animals on a single flight, so booking the service in advance was required.
• Restrictions existed for brachycephalic breeds due to the risk of breathing problems during the flight, as well as seasonal bans on cargo hold transport during extreme temperatures.

Due to the closure of Air Malta, we strongly recommend checking the current pet transportation rules with the new carrier, as document requirements and rates may have changed.

Flypass Loyalty Program

The historical loyalty program of Air Malta was called Flypass. It was designed to reward frequent flyers, allowing them to accumulate miles (KMmiles) for every flight segment and exchange them for various privileges. The program was popular among island residents and regular visitors to Malta.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

• Permanent Membership: The basic level that a member received immediately upon registration. It allowed for the start of mile accumulation.
• Diamond Card: The highest status level, offering priority registration, access to airport business lounges, and an additional baggage allowance.
• Elite status holders could benefit from accelerated security clearance (Fast Track) and received priority on flight waiting lists.

Earning and Using Miles

• Miles were earned based on distance and the selected booking class.
• Accumulated KMmiles could be spent on award flights, cabin upgrades to business class, or services from partner companies.
• The program was not part of any major alliances but had local partnerships with hotels and car rental services in Malta.

After March 30, 2024, the Flypass program ceased to exist along with the airline. Passengers were offered a new program, KM Rewards, from the successor — KM Malta Airlines. Members are advised to contact the new company's support service to clarify the status of their accumulated miles and registration options in the new loyalty system.

Air Malta offered its customers two main classes of service. Economy Class was geared toward travelers who value an optimal price-to-quality ratio. Passengers were offered ergonomic seats and a standard set of services, which could include meals or drinks depending on the flight duration and selected fare. Business Class provided additional amenities: the middle seat in the row remained vacant for more personal space, and the menu included exquisite Maltese and European cuisine.

Amenities on board the Airbus A320 aircraft included modern air conditioning and lighting systems. The seat pitch met the standards of European carriers, ensuring comfort even on flights lasting more than three hours. The entertainment system on medium-haul routes consisted of shared screens broadcasting short videos and flight maps. Individual IFE systems and onboard Wi-Fi were rare in the old fleet, which was compensated for by the attentive service of the crew.

Special services held an important place in Air Malta's operations. Families with children were offered priority service, and a special children's menu was available on some flights. Passengers with reduced mobility could count on assistance during boarding and disembarking, for which the company needed to be notified in advance. There was also the option to order special meals: vegetarian, lactose-free, or those meeting religious requirements (kosher, halal), making the flight comfortable for all categories of travelers.

The Air Malta flight geography covered key European metropolises, including destinations such as London, Paris, and Rome. The main hub of the route network was Valletta, from where regular flights were operated to Munich, Istanbul, and Frankfurt.

Although Air Malta has concluded its operations, the historical experience of booking its tickets was based on several rules. To get the best price, tickets were worth purchasing at least 2-3 months before departure, especially during the peak summer season. The most favorable fares, such as Go Light, usually appeared mid-week, while weekends were characterized by higher demand and cost.

Online check-in was a mandatory step for saving time at the airport. It typically opened 24 hours before the flight and allowed for free seat selection (on certain fares) or confirmation of presence on board. Early check-in also gave a chance to secure more comfortable seats in the front of the cabin. For those who preferred extra comfort, paid options for seat selection with increased legroom were offered.

In current realities, when planning a trip to Malta, tourists are recommended to pay attention to insurance conditions. High-quality insurance should cover not only medical expenses but also potential flight delays or cancellations. The mobile app, which the company actively developed, allowed passengers to store boarding passes digitally and receive real-time notifications about schedule changes.

The history of Air Malta began in 1973, when the country's government decided to create a national air carrier to strengthen independence and develop the tourism sector. The first flights launched in the spring of 1974 using leased Boeing 720B aircraft, connecting Valletta with London, Rome, and Paris. This became the starting point for transforming Malta into an accessible Mediterranean resort.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the company actively expanded its fleet, transitioning to modern Boeing 737 airliners and later completely updating the fleet with Airbus family aircraft. A landmark event was the opening of flights to Istanbul and Madrid, which helped attract transit passengers. The airline always positioned itself as an "ambassador" for Malta in the sky, decorating the tails of its aircraft with the vibrant Maltese Cross (Cross of St. John).

Over decades of operation, Air Malta went through several stages of restructuring, adapting to competition from low-cost carriers. Despite the difficulties, it maintained its status as a premium carrier with a high level of trust. In the 2010s, the focus shifted to the digitalization of services and optimization of the route network, including strengthening its presence in cities such as Frankfurt and Zurich.

The final chapter in the brand's history was written on March 30, 2024, when Air Malta officially ceased flight operations. The following day, March 31, the functions of the national carrier were transferred to KM Malta Airlines. This transformation allowed the island's air connectivity to remain stable, utilizing the experience and infrastructure accumulated by its legendary predecessor over decades.