Malta Luqa International Airport
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Malta Luqa International Airport

Malta's geographical position made it possible for the Island to develop the aviation industry as early as the second decade of this century. At the time Malta was a British colony and as expected the first aircraft in Malta were to be military. Civil aircraft appeared later during the 1920's.

The first civil airfield was constructed at Ta' Qali, followed by others at Hal Far and Luqa. During the Second World War, the airfields at Ta' Qali and Hal Far were severely battered and civil operations centred on Luqa airport.

The increase in passenger handling and aircraft movements necessitated the construction of a civil air terminal. Preparations started in 1956 and the British Government mainly financed the Lm 300,000 project. Malta' new passenger air terminal at Luqa was inaugurated on March 31, 1958 by the then Governor of Malta Sir Robert Laycock. The air terminal consisted of two floors including facilities such as a restaurant, a Post office, a Cable and Wireless office and a Viewing Balcony for the public to watch aircraft movements.

Air traffic constantly increased and new airlines with bigger aircraft started operations to Malta. The advent of jet aircraft decreased flying times and thus attracted more people to travel by air.

HOTELS   (Click Here)
Where to stay? International Airport Guide offers discounted rates on Malta Luqa Airport Hotels. We have negotiated rates offering 45% off hotel rack rates. All hotels are quality rated through AAA or Mobil Travel Guide, the industry's most trusted sources.

Our special consortium rates with local airport hotels will ensure that you are receiving the lowest rates on Airport Hotels near Malta Luqa Airport.

Airport Facts

Still referred to by the locals as "Luqa Airport", the completely re-furbished Malta International Airport in Gudja, Malta, became fully operational on March 25, 1992. The IATA code for the airport is MLA whereas its ICAO identifier is LMML.

While most other airports serve large cities, Malta International Airport (MIA) serves the whole Maltese Archipelago. It is often mistakenly referred to by the foreign press as "Valletta Airport" despite the fact that Floriana, Blata-Bajda, Hamrun, Marsa, and Santa Lucia all lie between the capital, Valletta, and MIA, which is actually located between Luqa and Gudja. The distance from Valletta to Luqa Airport is about five miles (8 km).

Malta International Airport is fully equipped to international standards. It has two runways, one being 3544 meters long by 60 meters wide and the other 2377 by 45 meters wide. The 40,000 m² terminal complex houses the Departure and Arrival Halls, with spacious Check-In, Baggage Reclaim and Welcomers' Halls, cafeterias, restaurants, tax-free shops, and other retail outlets, offices, stores, and other service areas. A special feature of the terminal complex is the presence of an additional tax-free shop for passengers arriving in Malta rather than departing.

Malta International Airport also has special facilities for business travelers. It has three executive lounges as well as a separate, exclusive VVIP building for Heads of States and diplomats.

Outside of the terminal, one finds a 50,000 m² parking area for visitors, travellers, and car hire agencies.

Operations
Security. MIA boasts state-of-the-art equipment such as a 100% Hold Baggage Screening system capable of processing 1,500 luggage pieces per hour and an ARINC MUSE common check-in system together with a Baggage Reconciliation System.