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Malta International Airport

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Malta International Airport (Malta)

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Malta International Airport (MLA), locally known as Luqa Airport, is the sole air gateway to the Maltese Islands and a critical pillar of the national economy. The airport's history began in the 1920s when it served primarily as a military airfield for the British Royal Air Force. During World War II, Luqa played a vital strategic role as a launchpad for Allied operations in the Mediterranean. The current passenger terminal was officially inaugurated in 1992, replacing the older terminal to accommodate the rapid growth in tourism. Today, the airport handles millions of passengers annually, providing direct links to major hubs across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is also a significant center for aircraft maintenance and repair services and serves as the primary base for the national carrier, KM Malta Airlines. Regularly winning awards for service quality, MLA is consistently ranked among the top regional airports in Europe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
As Malta's sole international airport, it features a modern passenger terminal with extensive departure and arrival facilities. The public concourse features various amenities, shops, and dining options accessible even without a boarding pass.
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Typical hours
The terminal building remains open twenty-four hours a day to accommodate flights arriving and departing at all hours. However, individual retail stores and food outlets within the concourse generally operate on specific daytime and evening schedules.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the general public areas and concourses of the airport without issue. Security checkpoints, immigration counters, and customs areas are strictly no-photography zones, and signage must be obeyed.
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Time needed
Passengers should typically arrive at least two hours before a European flight and up to three hours for intercontinental journeys. If you are just meeting someone or using the public amenities, your stay will be much shorter.
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Combine with
Due to the compact size of Malta, the airport is situated just a short drive from significant sites like the ancient Hypogeum or the Tarxien Temples. Many travelers also opt to head straight to the capital city of Valletta upon arrival.
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Getting there
The airport is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of the island via a comprehensive public bus network and reliable taxi services. Car rental agencies are conveniently located right in the arrivals hall for immediate transportation.
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Insider tip
Take advantage of the dedicated airport app or website to check live flight statuses and terminal maps before you arrive. The observation deck on the top floor has a great spot to watch the planes taking off and landing.

Geography

Coordinates
35.85750, 14.47750

Facts

  • The present passenger terminal opened in 1992.
  • Features two runways measuring 3,544m and 2,377m.
  • Handled over 7 million passengers in the year 2019.
  • Serves as the main hub for KM Malta Airlines.
  • Connects the island to over 100 different destinations.
  • Voted best European airport in its size category multiple times.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Luqa Parish ChurchLuqa Parish Church1 km · EExplore →
KirkopKirkop2 km · SExplore →
Concrete Batching PlantsConcrete Batching Plants2 km · NWExplore →
Vincenti TowerVincenti Tower2 km · SWExplore →
Palazzo BettinaPalazzo Bettina2 km · SEExplore →
Marsa Horse Racing TrackMarsa Horse Racing Track2 km · NEExplore →
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)2 km · WExplore →
Santa Luċija Parish ChurchSanta Luċija Parish Church3 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Malta International Airport (10)

Monument ta' Ħal Luqa

Monument in the town of Luqa, Malta.

Luqa Church

Church in Luqa, Malta, a Catholic place of worship.

Montekristo Animal Park

Animal park in Malta, housing various animal species.

Montekristo Palace🏰 castle

Palace-like building in Malta, with palatial architecture.

Scrapped aircraft

Scrapped aircraft in Malta, stored as scrap metal.

Kirkop Menħir

Menhir in Malta, a prehistoric standing stone.

Torri ta' Wilġa / Tat-Torrijiet

Ruins of a tower in Malta, built around 269 AD against the Heruli.

Parish Church of Saint Leonard

Church building in Kirkop, Malta, dedicated to Saint Leonard.

Airport Runway Viewpoint

Viewpoint overlooking the runway of Malta International Airport.

Visitor terrace Malta International Airport

Visitor terrace at Malta International Airport with views of the apron.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How far is the airport from Valletta?
The airport is about 8 km south of Valletta, which is roughly 15-20 minutes by car.
Are there bus connections to the airport?
Yes, several express buses (X1, X2, X3, X4) connect the airport to various locations.
Are there car rental stations at the airport?
Yes, all major international and local providers have desks in the arrivals hall.
Does the airport offer free Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
Are there long-term parking spaces?
Yes, there are several parking lots with different rates right next to the terminal.
Malta International Airport: where is it located?
Malta International Airport is located in Malta.
Malta International Airport: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monument ta' Ħal Luqa, Luqa Church, Montekristo Animal Park.
Malta International Airport: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Malta International Airport: why is it worth visiting?
Malta International Airport (MLA), locally known as Luqa Airport, is the sole air gateway to the Maltese Islands and a critical pillar of the national economy.
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Nearby cities

Kirkop — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Kirkop
Kirkop is a small village near the airport, known for its menhir and other minor archaeological remains.
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand) — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)
Siġġiewi is a rural town known for its vast fields, farmhouses, and proximity to Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs.
Żebbuġ, Malta — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Żebbuġ, Malta
Żebbuġ, also known as Città Rohan, is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for its grand parish church and its feasts.
Pietà — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Pietà
Pietà is a small town on the outskirts of Valletta, known for its former Royal Navy hospital and its marina.
St. Helen's Basilica — Malta International Airport (Malta)
St. Helen's Basilica
A magnificent baroque basilica.
St. Julian's — Malta International Airport (Malta)
St. Julian's
St.
Mosta — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Mosta
Mosta is famous for its Rotunda, commonly known as the Mosta Dome, which has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.

History & landmarks

Marsa Horse Racing Track — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Marsa Horse Racing Track
The primary venue for horse racing in Malta.
Santa Luċija Parish Church — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Santa Luċija Parish Church
The parish church at the heart of the Santa Luċija residential estate.
Ghar Lapsi — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Ghar Lapsi
A natural cove and cave system, popular with swimmers and divers.
Pretty Bay — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Pretty Bay
A large sandy beach in the heart of the town.
Ta' Qali Crafts Village — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Crafts village with glass blowing.
Xgħajra Promenade — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Xgħajra Promenade
A quiet coastal promenade.

Nature

Ta' l-Agħara Hill — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
Blue Grotto — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Blue Grotto
A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.
St. Peter's Pool — Malta International Airport (Malta)
St. Peter's Pool
A natural rock pool popular with cliff divers.

More places

Luqa Parish Church — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Luqa Parish Church
A large baroque parish church dedicated to St.
Concrete Batching Plants — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Concrete Batching Plants
Several plants across the island produce concrete for the construction industry.
Vincenti Tower — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Vincenti Tower
A privately owned fortified tower built as a residence.
Palazzo Bettina — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Palazzo Bettina
A historical palace with a storied past.
Xarolla Windmill — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Xarolla Windmill
A restored 18th-century windmill.
Tal-Balal Ridge — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Tal-Balal Ridge
This ridge separates the plains of San Ġwann and Naxxar.
Kordin III Temples — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Kordin III Temples
A lesser-known but important megalithic temple complex.
Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens — Malta International Airport (Malta)
Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens
An experiential museum about the history of Maltese limestone, with a small animal park.