Malta International Airport (MLA)

Airport in Birgu

Malta International Airport
Malta International Airport
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enrique Íñiguez Rodríguez (Qoan)

Malta International Airport (MLA) holds a unique position as the single operational airport serving the entire Maltese archipelago. Located in the town of Luqa, it is a modern, single-terminal facility situated only eight kilometers (five miles) from the historic capital city of Valletta. MLA has rapidly grown into a vital Mediterranean hub, serving as the main base for the national carrier KM Malta Airlines and a major operating base for low-cost giants like Ryanair and easyJet. Its efficiency and small size make for a relatively stress-free travel experience, serving as the perfect, compact entry point to this sun-drenched island nation.

Why This Airport Matters

As Malta’s only airport, MLA is crucial not just for tourism, but for the islands’ economic and social connectivity. Its focus on building strong ties with major European airports and its close proximity to North Africa and the Middle East make it a strategic point on the Mediterranean flight map. The high volume of traffic handled by its single terminal demonstrates Malta’s popularity as a year-round tourist destination, particularly for short breaks and sun-seekers from the UK, Italy, and Germany.

History and Significance

The site of Malta International Airport has a deep military history, having previously operated as RAF Luqa. It played a vital role during World War II and remained an active military base until the nineteen seventies. The modern civilian terminal was completed in the nineteen nineties, consolidating all operations into a single, comprehensive building. Today, its significance lies in its remarkable capacity to manage high passenger numbers efficiently within its compact design, facilitating Malta’s economic life and its international links.

Airport Layout and Quick Facts

Malta International Airport is highly user-friendly, operating with a single, multi-level terminal building.

  • Structure: The terminal is split logically into Arrivals (ground level) and Departures (upper level).
  • Connectivity: Due to its central location, the airport offers fast transfer times to nearly every major town and resort on the island.
  • Malta Airshow: The airport is also home to the annual Malta Airshow.

Where to Stay Close to Malta International Airport

While Valletta and Sliema offer the most vibrant accommodations, there are comfortable and convenient options close to the airport in towns like Luqa and Gudja, perfect for early morning flights.

For the nearest convenience, Talbot & Bons Aparthotel is very close to the airport and highly rated for its clean, modern rooms and welcoming service.

Another excellent choice for a seamless stopover near the airport is Joseluce Guesthouse, which is often praised for its easy check-in process and quiet environment despite the proximity to the airport.

For quick access to Valletta, the five-star Grand Hotel Excelsior is only a short, direct drive from the airport, offering luxury with harbor views.

Getting To and From Malta International Airport

The airport is located about eight kilometers from Valletta. The roads are modern, but traffic, especially around Valletta and the central areas, can be heavy.

By Public Bus (The Cheapest Option)

The public bus network, operated by Malta Public Transport, provides the most affordable transfer.

  • Routes: Airport Direct bus routes (TD one, TD two, TD three, TD four) offer express connections to major tourist areas like Valletta, St. Julian's, and Sliema. The TD four route goes directly to the Valletta main bus terminal. Other local routes (e.g., seventy-one, seventy-two, seventy-three, one-hundred-seventeen, one-hundred-thirty-five) also serve the airport.
  • Fare: Approximately €2.50 (daytime single journey).
  • Tickets: Available from the Malta Public Transport office in the Arrivals Hall or directly from the bus driver (cash or contactless card payment).

By Taxi (The Fastest Option)

Taxis are the quickest and most direct way to reach your final destination.

  • Fixed Fares: A system of fixed-price taxis operates from the airport. Pre-paid taxi tickets can be purchased from the Taxi Booth inside the Arrivals Hall (Welcomers’ Hall).
  • Cost: A trip to Valletta typically costs around €26 to €30. Using ride-hailing apps can sometimes offer slightly lower rates.
  • Journey Time: Approximately twenty to thirty minutes to Valletta.

By Shuttle Bus

Shared shuttle services (such as Malta Transfer) are available and can be pre-booked online or at the counter in the Baggage Reclaim area, offering a more personalized service than the public bus.

Arriving at Malta International Airport

The arrival process is streamlined and efficient:

  1. Immigration: As Malta is part of the Schengen Area, passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries will undergo passport control.
  2. Baggage Reclaim: Followed by customs.
  3. Welcomers’ Hall (Arrivals): This area contains the majority of traveler services.

Key Services in Arrivals:

  • ATMs and Currency Exchange: Widely available. Using ATMs offers the best rate for the local currency (the Euro).
  • SIM Cards: Local telecom providers often have stands offering tourist-friendly SIM card packages.
  • Transport Desks: Public Transport, Shuttle, and Taxi booths are all conveniently located here.
  • Wi-Fi: Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal.

Departing from Malta International Airport

The departure process is straightforward within the single terminal:

  • Check-in: Counters are located on the ground floor.
  • Security: Located on the upper level, leading into the airside Departures area.
  • Passport Control: For passengers leaving the Schengen Area.

Airport Services and Facilities

Lounges

  • La Valette Club Lounge: This is the main lounge, accessible to premium passengers of various airlines and to members of programs like Priority Pass, located airside on the upper level.

Food and Drink

A range of options is available both landside and airside, including cafes, fast food, and full-service restaurants.

Shops

Duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and a few fashion retailers are available in the airside Departures area.

Renting a Car at Malta International Airport

Malta drives on the left side of the road. Car rental desks are conveniently located in the Arrivals Hall. All major international agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, etc.) are present.

Renting a car is the best way to explore the entire island of Malta, especially the quieter coastal areas and the sister island of Gozo (accessed via a ferry from Ċirkewwa). However, driving and parking within the historic city centers like Valletta and Mdina can be challenging.

Flights and Airlines Operating at MLA

MLA serves as an essential link to Europe and beyond, primarily dealing with short- and medium-haul flights.

Major Airlines & Hubs:

  • KM Malta Airlines: The national carrier, with a strong focus on connecting to major European capitals (London, Paris, Rome, Munich).
  • Ryanair / Malta Air: Operates the most routes by volume, linking Malta to numerous low-cost destinations across Europe.
  • easyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2.com: Extensive coverage of the UK and Northern Europe.
  • Lufthansa, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Emirates: Provide connections to global hubs (Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai).

Key Destinations (Frequent Routes):

Italy (Catania, Rome, Milan), the United Kingdom (multiple London airports, Manchester), and Germany (Munich, Frankfurt) represent the busiest international routes.

For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Valletta on Booking.com.

Practical Tips for Using Malta International Airport

  • Bus Route TD four: Use this specific express route for the fastest public transport to the Valletta bus terminal.
  • Fixed Taxi Fare: To avoid overpaying, purchase your fixed-fare taxi coupon at the booth in the Arrivals Hall before walking outside to the taxi rank.
  • Gozo Connection: If immediately traveling to the island of Gozo, consider a pre-booked transfer that includes the ferry crossing, as this simplifies the logistics.

Final Thoughts

Malta International Airport is a modern, compact, and efficient gateway to the Maltese islands. Its single terminal and convenient location make for a smooth start to your Mediterranean holiday.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (18,820)

Malta International Airport in Luqa serves the Maltese islands and operates 24 hours a day; visitors note it's a small but highly functional airport with decent duty-free shopping, cafes and an outdoor smoking area, generally friendly staff and fast security checks thanks to modern equipment, though some travelers have reported issues with staff interactions during odd hours.

Bobby singh
2 weeks ago
"Malta International Airport is a small international airport. It is very modern and contains numerous restaurants, including Costa coffee, Hard RockCafe, Verani, Burger King, KFC, felafel restaurant, as well as numerous other bakeries and retail outlets, including WH Smith, samsonite etc. Car rental and hotels are nearby and bus stops are directly outside the airport, which makes it easy to get around the island. Overall, a good place to fly into...."
Bence Balog
in the last week
"From arrival to departure, everything felt well-organized and efficient. The airport is clean, modern, and easy to navigate, even for first-timevisitors. Signage is clear, security and passport control are handled smoothly, and waiting times are reasonable. The staff are friendly, helpful, and professional. Whether at security, information desks, or shops, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. It feels relaxed compared to many larger European airports...."
Viktoria V
2 weeks ago
"Clean and specious premises, considering that it is a small airport. Kind and helpful staff:). We have also enjoyed the look out experience as wellthe airports time line installation. It’s a great place to check out before entering the “flying” area. Especially interesting for Airplane fans or kids since they can watch real planes as well as the miniature model of the airport. The airport is also dog friendly, we’ve enjoyed seeing those little faces 🐶 After security you have two bistros and a Hard Rock Cafe to choose from. You can also buy many souvenirs at the airport itself. We’re really grateful for the new liquid sca ers, since we really enjoyed maltese Olive Oil and have bought some bottles hihihi:)..."

The Malta International Airport (MLA) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Malta International Airport (MLA), Malta
Birgu: 5 km
Valletta: 6 km
Mdina: 8 km
Rabat: 9 km
Victoria (Rabat), Gozo: 31 km

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