Malta International Airport (MLA, sometimes called Luqa Airport) is the sole airport for the Maltese archipelago and the primary gateway into Malta.
The airport is located about 10 kilometers southwest of Valletta, the nation's capital. It handles all commercial air traffic for the country with almost all flights coming from European cities.
In 2024, Malta Airport handled almost 9 million passengers with an almost 15% growth year-to-year.
Major Airlines - KM Malta Airlines, Ryanair, Universal Air
Malta International Airport is home to 2 Maltese airlines:
Air Malta: The national carrier, offering extensive connections to European destinations.
Universal Air: A small regional airline with regular flights to Italy and Libya and seasonal charters.
Despite that, most routes from MLA are provided by the low-cost company Ryanair serving over 30 destinations in Europe.
Wizz Air, Jet2.com, and easyJet also cater to the low-cost market.
Full-service airlines are represented in the face of British Airways, Emirates, Air France, and Turkish Airlines to name a few and connect Malta to the rest of the world.
Click here to see all airlines that use Malta Airport.
Terminal Layout of Malta Airport
Malta International Airport operates a single terminal that manages both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
The terminal is rather small and getting to your gate should in most cases be quick and seamless. Arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure to be on the safe side, although Schengen flight passengers can get there even later and still make it with time to spare for shopping.
The terminal is open 24/7, but sleeping at the airport is discouraged. See the hotels section below for accommodation options nearby.
Wi-Fi at MLA
The airport is supplied with a free Wi-Fi network. To connect, select "Maltairport Wi-Fi", open your browser, and agree to the terms and conditions on the page that loads.
The wifi connection has no time limit.
Dining Options at Malta Airport
The Maltese airport is a small one but despite that, you can find many places to eat or drink something before your flight.
These are some of the dining options before Security (i.e. Landside):
Costa Coffee: A popular coffee shop chain also serving small snacks, sandwiches, and desserts.
McDonald's: The famous fast-food chain is of course present at MLA, ready to serve you burgers and fries within minutes of ordering.
Falafel Street: Specializes in Lebanese kebab and grill.
After Security (i.e. Airside), you can choose from:
Relish: An open-style kitchen serving pizzas, pasta, and salads, together with a selection of pre-packed snacks and pastries.
Veràni: The newest restaurant at Malta Airport. It specializes in sushi rolls, fresh bagels, noodles dishes, and curries.
Hard Rock Cafe and Costa Coffee for your caffeine fix.
The SkyParks near the airport is a modern business center with upscale dining establishments. If you arrive early enough for your flight, you can enjoy a meal there instead.
Lounges at MLA
Malta Airport has only 1 lounge: the La Valette Club Lounge. It is accessible to business class passengers or via paid entry. It provides the standard airport lounge amenities like complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, comfortable armchairs plus access to a massive online library.
A one-time pass costs 40 EUR with a maximum stay of 3 hours.
Transportation to and from the airport
Malta is a relatively small island and the airport is almost in its geographical center. As such, getting to destinations around the island is pretty easy and quick, though do mind the occasional traffic jams, especially in the northern part of the island around the urbanized areas.
For public transport, you can take one of the four express bus routes (X1, X2, X3, X4) that connect the airport to various parts of Malta, including Valletta and other major towns. Ask at the information desk on arrival for their schedules and stops.
As for private transfer, these are your options:
Taxis: Available 24/7 at the airport, in front of the Arrivals area. A taxi to the capital Valetta costs around 15-20 EUR.
Car Rentals: Multiple car rental agencies, such as Avis and Budget, operate at the airport. You are advised to pre-book to save time at the airport - just pick up your keys from the vehicle rental offices on Level 1 at Park East.
Check private transfer options from Malta Airport.
Parking at MLA
The first 10 minutes of parking at any of Malta Airport’s car parks are free.
There are two parking lots:
Surface Car Parks & SkyParks Business Centre: located on the west side of the terminal, in front of SkyParks.
Park East Multi-Storey Car Park: located on the east side of the terminal and also housing most of the car rental companies’ offices.
The rates at both parking facilities are the same: 2 EUR for the first hour and capped at 15 EUR per day.
Hotels near Malta Airport
Given how close the airport is to the urbanized areas of the island, there is no need for a hotel on the premises and there isn’t one.
A small guesthouse called Talbot and Bons Studio Flat is the closest you can sleep to Malta Airport. This hotel is 1.5 km away and has everything necessary for a comfortable night - a good bed, hot shower, and breakfast unless you’re leaving on a very early flight.
For upscale hotels, you’re best off searching in Valetta or Sliema. Here are two fine examples:
Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa: A 5-star luxurious hotel about 7 kilometers from the airport in Balzan.
Grand Hotel Excelsior: A full-service 5-star resort about 8 kilometers from the airport, in Valetta.
Malta, Malta
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