Exploring Malta: Navigating Its Dual Airport System

Malta has only one airport, the Malta International Airport (MIA), which is also the international airport of the archipelago. The airport is located in the town of Luqa, in the centre of the island, and serves all of the Maltese Islands.

Malta International Airport (MIA) is the only airport in Malta

The airport has a long history, dating back to the construction of the first civil airfield at Ta' Qali, followed by others at Ħal Far (RAF Hal Far) and Luqa. During World War II, the airfields at Ta' Qali and Ħal Far were severely damaged, and civil operations subsequently centred on Luqa Airport. Over the years, the airport has undergone various upgrades and renovations, including the construction of a new air terminal in the 1990s, which replaced the old Luqa terminal.

Malta International Airport is well-connected to other international European airports and serves over 100 destinations. It has two runways and a single passenger terminal building containing one arrivals hall and one departures area. The airport offers a range of facilities, including dining options, retail outlets, lost and found services, device charging stations, and a chapel and prayer room.

The airport is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes connecting it to different parts of the island. Additionally, taxi and car rental services are available for travellers who prefer a more private mode of transportation.

MIA is located in Luqa, 5km southwest of Valletta

Malta has one international airport, Malta International Airport (MIA), which is located in Luqa, 5km southwest of Valletta, the capital city. The airport is also referred to as Luqa Airport, as it is situated near the village of Luqa. It is the main point of entry for visitors to Malta and Gozo, serving all of the Maltese islands.

MIA is located 8km from Valletta, which is a 20-minute drive or a 25-minute bus ride away. The airport is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes connecting it to the capital and other major destinations.

MIA is a relatively small airport compared to other major European airports, with a single passenger terminal building containing one arrivals hall and one departures area. It has two runways and serves over 100 destinations. The airport is well-equipped, offering various amenities and services to passengers, including dining options, retail outlets, charging stations, and a business lounge.

The airport is the main hub for KM Malta Airlines and Medavia, and it also serves as a base for Ryanair and its subsidiary, Malta Air. It is operated by Malta International Airport plc and has been in operation since 1992.

MIA has two runways and a single passenger terminal

Malta International Airport (MIA) is the only airport in Malta, serving the whole Maltese archipelago. Located in the town of Luqa, MIA is around 8km from the capital, Valletta.

The airport has been operational since 1992 and can accommodate the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger airline, and Boeing 777 airliners. It is the main hub for KM Malta Airlines and Medavia, and an operating base for Ryanair and its subsidiary Malta Air.

MIA is small and easy to navigate, with annual passenger numbers of around 6 million

Malta International Airport (MIA) is the only airport in Malta, serving the whole of the Maltese islands. It is located in the town of Luqa, around 5km southwest of the capital, Valletta. MIA is quite small, with just one terminal building for departures and arrivals, and is very easy to navigate. The airport has two runways and serves over 100 destinations.

Passenger numbers at MIA have increased in recent years, from 3.5 million in 2011 to around 6 million in 2017. This increase is mainly due to the growing number of routes served by low-cost carriers. MIA is the main hub for KM Malta Airlines and Medavia, as well as an operating base for Ryanair and its subsidiary Malta Air.

The airport offers a range of facilities for passengers, including dining options, retail outlets, and various services. The passenger reception area is compact and can be crossed in less than 5 minutes, with all check-in counters grouped in the same area. There are 18 dining establishments and 27 retail outlets spread across the check-in and duty-free areas.

MIA also provides essential services such as lost and found, pick-up/drop-off facilities, device charging stations, a chapel, prayer room, and soundproof conference rooms. The airport is well-connected to other international European airports and is easily accessible by public transport, taxi, or private transfer.

Xewkija Heliport is a small airport in Gozo, primarily serving helicopters

Xewkija Heliport, also known as Gozo Heliport, is a small airport in Malta, primarily serving helicopters. It is located on the island of Gozo, near the town of Xewkija. The heliport features two helipads, each 22 metres wide, which are connected by asphalt to form a small 174-metre-long runway.

While Xewkija Heliport is a small facility dedicated to helicopter operations, Malta's primary aviation gateway is Malta International Airport (IATA: MLA, ICAO: LMML). This airport, located in the town of Luqa, serves the entire Maltese Islands. It is the hub for KM Malta Airlines and Medavia and serves as a base for Ryanair and Malta Air.

Historically, Malta has had several airfields, including those at Ta' Qali, Ħal Far (RAF Hal Far), and Luqa. During World War II, the Ta' Qali and Ħal Far airfields were severely damaged, leading to the centralisation of civil operations at Luqa Airport. Over time, Luqa Airport underwent expansions and upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger and aircraft movements.

In the context of Malta's aviation landscape, Xewkija Heliport serves a specialised role for helicopter operations, while Malta International Airport functions as the primary gateway for commercial and passenger flights, connecting Malta with destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean basin.

It is worth noting that the Republic of Malta, as an archipelago, consists of multiple islands, including Gozo and Comino, each with its own heliport. The operations at these heliports are monitored by the control tower of Malta International Airport, ensuring safe and efficient air traffic management within the region.

Frequently asked questions