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Whether you’re visiting Malta for a sunny beach holiday or exploring Malta as a part of your Europe trip, chances are you will arrive at Malta International Airport (code: MLA). As it is Malta’s only airport, anyone arriving by flight will pass through this airport.
To make things easier, we’ve listed everything you need to know about arriving at the airport, getting a transfer and returning for your departure.
Malta International Airport is the sole airport of the Maltese Islands, welcoming up to six million visitors annually. It is located in a town called Luqa, on the southeast part of the island.
Compared to other airports across the globe, one can argue that the Luqa airport is relatively small, with a single passenger terminal building containing the adjacent Arrivals and Departure Halls.
Nevertheless, Malta International Airport brings its passenger experience to the forefront; it is renowned for its stellar service and superb amenities. Additionally, it has received multiple awards over the years, including the Airports Council International ‘Best Airport in Europe’ title for its performance in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
KM Malta Airlines is the new national carrier after it recently replaced its predecessor Air Malta. Other airlines such as British Airways, Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, ITA Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and EasyJet serve the MLA Airport, offering multi-city and direct flights to more than 30 countries including the following:
Arriving in Malta is a breeze. Once you hop off the plane and onto the bus to the Arrivals Hall, get ready for an easy process.
Although passengers from Schengen countries (most EU states) can travel without presenting their passports, you still need to have your passport or identity card upon arrival to Malta.
Authorities (police, immigration officials, etc.) in Schengen states still have the right to check identifying documents if necessary.
If you arrive from a non-Schengen country, you need to pass customs with a valid travel document, such as a passport or an ID card. You also need to have documents showing the purpose of your trip and proof that you have sufficient means of support for your stay. Depending on the country, you might also need an entry or transit Visa.
Baggage reclaim is straightforward; you will pass it on the way to the Welcomers’ Hall, regardless of whether you’re travelling with luggage. Simply check on the screen on which baggage carousel your flight’s luggage is arriving on and wait till yours passes by.
After picking up your baggage, you will enter the Welcomers’ Hall. Here you will find several amenities, including a café, a pharmacy, shops, ATMs, car hire options and more (Keep reading for more information about the available facilities).
Upon arrival at the Malta International Airport, you’ll be happy to know that free, high-speed Wi-Fi is available. Simply go to the Wifi settings on your device, select “Maltairport Wi-Fi” and agree to the terms and conditions. You are now connected to Wi-Fi.
For directions, explanations and general info, head to the Customer Service Information Centres near the Check-in Hall and the Departure Gates. This is also where the Lost & Found area is.
The centre is open from 7.30 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday.
Several Malta airport transfer options are available to get to your accommodation in no time. The most economical option is taking the bus. For quicker rides, you can opt for a taxi – recommended service provider here. If you want the freedom to explore the Maltese islands at your own pace, hiring a car might be the best option for you.
Check out a brief overview of each option, below!
Buses are located right in front of the airport, close to both the Departures and Arrivals Hall. Just follow the signs to find the bus stops.
Reaching your destination by bus is pretty straightforward. Malta Airport has several routes: 71, 72, 73, 88, 117, 119, 135, 201, 205, 208, 214, 218, X1A, TD1, TD2, TD3 and TD4. Each of these bus routes will take you almost anywhere on the island. You can find more information about stops and bus schedules here.
Bus tickets can be bought upon boarding the bus. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets from the following outlets:
All airport buses are air-conditioned and have storage space for luggage. Keep in mind that travelling by bus will take significantly longer during rush hour, from 7 am to 9 am and 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
TIP: If you are about to hop on a bus, make sure you have small change or pay touchless with a VISA debit or credit card.
To save a good amount on your taxi transfer, book online and in advance. I highly recommend using this service, which will help you get the best deal in a matter of minutes and is very reliable in my experience.
Malta airport taxi services to all the island’s towns and villages are available 24/7. Pre-paid tickets can be purchased at fixed rates from the taxi booth in the Welcomers’ Hall upon arrival.
You can also book rides directly through the Malta Taxi app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.
A standard taxi fits 4 people while vans accommodate up to 8 passengers. That being said, the amount of luggage (and equipment) must be taken into account irrespective of the chosen vehicle.
To get a rough estimate of the taxi fares you can expect to pay, I’ve listed the prices of the most popular destinations:
More info is available here:
Car rentals are a popular mode of transport in Malta. In fact, you can easily hire one at the airport. At the Welcomers’ Hall, you will find the desks on your left side after exiting the baggage reclaim area.
The following agencies are available on-site:
TIP: Book your rental vehicle in advance to benefit from exclusive deals. Check out rental car rates on Discovercars.com.
At Malta International Airport, the first two hours of parking are free. After that, the fee depends on the length of your stay. Every additional day costs 15 euros.
The two easiest ways to get a Malta airport transfer are:
Attention passengers! Planning your return and getting to the airport on time can be stressful, so we listed everything you need to know for a smooth ride
I always advise travellers to think ahead and arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight, to avoid any unexpected surprises. The airport can be busier than usual, particularly during the holiday season and summer when many people are more likely to book a magical getaway. You may also encounter traffic, especially if your flight is in the afternoon or during rush hour.
At the Check-in Hall, you are asked to present your passport at one of the check-in desks. Your luggage is loaded on the belt and you are given your boarding pass if you haven’t done so online. Like any other airport, there are also flight information monitors indicating respective check-in desks, flight status and departure times of all scheduled flights.
After check-in, you need to walk towards the departure gates. You will be asked to scan your boarding pass at the e-passport gates. Next, take the stairs, escalator or elevator to go through airport security and the Departure Hall.
Just as you would do at any other airport, keep an eye out on the flight information monitors for the latest details about your aircraft status.
Compared to other airports like Heathrow, the Luqa airport is quite small. Passing through security at the Malta International Airport is straightforward and usually takes around fifteen minutes.
Empty your pockets and remove accessories before passing through X-ray screening. Ensure your liquids do not exceed 100 ml and are placed in a transparent bag. Digital gadgets should also be removed from your hand baggage for the screening.
If you’re travelling to a Schengen country, you do not require a passport prior to departure from the Malta International Airport. However, a valid form of identification, such as a passport or an ID card is required.
If you’re travelling to a non-Schengen country, you must present a valid travel document and pass through customs before departure.
Along with the check-in desks, there are other facilities at the Check-in Hall.
You can grab a snack before your flight (more info about this below!) or get some travel essentials from Agenda Bookshop and WHSmith heading upstairs to the Departure Hall.
Furthemore, there is an ATM from the local Bank of Valletta which takes international credit cards. You’ll also find a MaltaPost mailbox (not a post office) for last-minute postcards.
Additionally, a 24-hour luggage deposit and baggage wrapping service are offered against a small fee. As with everywhere else in the airport, the check-in hall has free wi-fi and charging stations for all your devices.
Once you pass through security, you’ll walk by the duty-free retail outlets before heading towards the Departures Hall.
Here you will find airport lounges, such as La Valette Club Lounge (for members) and the general area where you can relax or work before taking off.
Around the seating areas, you will find more charging points for laptops and smartphones. You can also do some last-minute souvenir shopping or bring a typical Maltese gift for your loved ones, from several retail and duty-free outlets.
There are also various dining and drinks options on-site, as well as a smoking area at Relish café.
If you’ve got time to spare before your flight departs, check out what’s new at the many outlets on the airside.
There are several options for meals and quick snacks all over the airport. Whether you want to indulge in a classic American bite, a quick pick-me-up coffee from Costa or a classic Italian meal at Vecchia Napoli, there are options for everybody’s tastes and preferences.
If you fancy a cup of coffee or a bite to eat, the following cafes and eateries are located within the Check-in and Arrival Halls:
You can also head to the Food Court between the Departure and Welcomers’ Hall. Check out the options below:
If you’d rather drop off your luggage and get through security before grabbing a snack, you’ll find several options upstairs at the Departures Hall.
Alongside the dining options within the airport, other eateries are located outside an area called SkyParks.
Besides the restaurants and shops, you can also find the observation deck on the third floor. If you have some time to spare before your flight/as soon as you land, I highly recommend checking it out! Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the runaways, whilst witnessing all the aircraft fly to and from Malta.
If you’re in Malta for a long stopover or prefer staying close to the airport, there are a bunch of accommodation options near Malta International Airport. These are our best (and closest) picks:
Have a safe and relaxed trip and see you in sunny Malta!
Do you have any questions about Malta International Airport? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you shortly!
