Malta Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

Malta International Airport is the only airport in Malta, serving the whole of the Maltese Islands. With an average of 20,000 departing flights each year, the airport serves over 7 million passengers annually. While flight delays can occur, the airport has an average delay time of 15 minutes for departing flights. In December 2024, a global IT outage led to delays of up to 10 hours, with passengers reporting frustration due to crowded departure lounges.

Delays due to global IT outages

Delays at Malta International Airport, the only airport in Malta, can be caused by a multitude of factors, including global IT outages.

On July 19, 2024, a global IT outage caused by a software update for Microsoft Windows operating systems

Average delay time for departing flights

Malta International Airport is the only airport in Malta, serving the whole of the Maltese Islands. With an average of 20,000 departing flights each year, the airport serves over 7 million passengers annually.

While flight delays can occur, the airport has an average delay time of 15 minutes for departing flights. This delay time can vary depending on the time of day and the season. For example, on one occasion, travellers at Malta International Airport experienced delays of up to 10 hours due to a global IT outage.

Passengers can check the status of their departing flight on the airport's website, mobile app, or by contacting the airline directly. It is recommended that passengers check their flight status regularly, especially if there are weather or other disruptions.

To avoid any inconvenience, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow enough time for check-in, security screening, and passport control procedures for international flights.

Check-in and departure procedures

Malta International Airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international departures. The terminal is divided into two sections, with the check-in area and departure gates located on the ground floor and the arrivals area on the first floor.

Passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow enough time for check-in, luggage drop-off, security screening, and other pre-flight procedures. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive three hours in advance to accommodate passport control.

Check-in can be done online, via mobile, or at the airport using self-check-in machines or directly at the check-in counters. Online and mobile check-in is available 24 hours before departure, allowing passengers to select their seats and obtain their boarding passes. It is important to ensure that mobile check-in is available at the departure airport. If you encounter issues with mobile boarding passes, regular paper passes can be obtained from the airline check-in desk or a check-in machine.

When checking in, it is essential to have the necessary travel documents, especially for minors travelling alone or with adults who are not their parents. Additionally, passengers travelling with pets must register and obtain confirmation from the airline at least five days before departure.

After checking in, passengers should proceed to the security checkpoints, located near the check-in counters and gates. It is recommended to arrive early to allow sufficient time for security screening.

For international departures, passengers must go through passport control before boarding. Real-time flight information, including departure times, gate numbers, and any delays or cancellations, can be accessed through the airport's website, mobile app, or by contacting the airline directly.

The airport offers various dining and shopping options, as well as lounge facilities for passengers seeking a more comfortable waiting experience.

How to check flight status

There is currently a very low level of delays at Malta International Airport, the only airport in Malta.

Use a flight tracker

Use a flight tracker such as FlightAware, FlightStats, or ixigo. These websites and apps allow you to track your flight in real time and see any delays or cancellations. You can also use them to check airport conditions and plan for any potential delays.

Check with the airport

Malta International Airport's website will have up-to-date information on arrivals and departures, including any delays. The website also provides information on terminal locations and local time (Central European Time).

Contact the airline

If you are unsure about the status of your flight, contact your airline directly. They will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. Most airlines also offer a complimentary service that sends email or SMS alerts to passengers regarding any changes to their flight schedule.

Check your inbox

If you have booked your flight through a third-party website or app, they may send you notifications and updates about your flight via email. Check your inbox for any emails from the booking platform or the airline.

Use the PNR number

When you book a flight, a PNR number is generated. You can use this number to check your flight details, schedule, and PNR status. This can be done through a flight tracker website or app, or by contacting the airline directly.

It is always a good idea to check the status of your flight before departing for the airport, and to allow for some flexibility in your schedule in case of unexpected delays.

Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility

Malta International Airport is committed to providing a seamless, professional, transparent, and non-discriminatory service to passengers with reduced mobility. The airport adheres to international provisions as stipulated in EC Regulation 1107/2006, the ICAO Annex 9, Chapter 9 document, and the ECAC Document 30, Part 1.

Passengers with reduced mobility can expect the following facilities and services at Malta International Airport:

• Assistance from arrival at the airport to the Check-in Hall, through security, and to the gate for pre-boarding.
• Help with registration at check-in and during security processes.
• Support with boarding and disembarkation, including the provision of an ambulift or other suitable means of accessing the aircraft.
• Assistance with retrieving baggage and with immigration and customs processes.
• Help with connecting flights and accessing land transport.
• Enabling the use of airport facilities as requested, provided there is sufficient time.
• Adequate assistance in the event of delays or flight cancellations.

Passengers requiring special assistance should book this through their airline carrier at least 48 hours before departure. Upon arrival, passengers should inform a member of the crew, who will then contact a member of the airport team.

At the airport, there are dedicated car park spaces, fully accessible F&B and retail outlets, priority seating, T-loop systems at information desks and call points, and dedicated washrooms in all areas. An elevating platform is located on Level -1 to facilitate access to the food court and toilets, and lifts and escalators serve all floors.

Frequently asked questions