Malta International Airport MLA Airport Traveler Guide

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

MLA Airport provides convenient options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are picking up a passenger, you can use the designated curbside parking area located outside the terminal building. However, please note that parking is not allowed in this area for more than a few minutes. If you need to wait for your passenger, you can use the airport's cell-phone waiting area, which is located just a few minutes away from the terminal building. This area is free of charge and allows you to wait in your vehicle until your passenger is ready to be picked up.

When dropping off a passenger, you can use the designated drop-off area located outside the terminal building. This area is also subject to time restrictions, and parking is not allowed. If you need to accompany your passenger inside the terminal building, you can use the short-term parking area located just a few steps away from the terminal entrance. Please note that parking fees apply in this area, and the maximum parking time is 15 minutes.

Parking Facilities & Options

The airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. The airport has both short-term and long-term parking available, with the short-term parking located just a short walk from the terminal building. There are also covered and uncovered parking garages available for those who prefer to park indoors.

For those who are picking up passengers, the airport has a cell phone waiting area located just outside the terminal building. This area allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport's parking lots and garages. These spaces are located close to the terminal building and are clearly marked with the international symbol for accessibility.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near Malta International Airport. These parking lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your terminal without having to worry about finding a parking spot.

Transportation Options

Malta Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers arriving at the airport:

• Car Rentals: Several major car rental providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz are available at Malta Airport. Visitors can easily rent a car upon arrival and explore the island at their own pace. The car rental desks are conveniently located in the Arrivals Hall.
• Taxis: Taxi services are available at the airport with a designated drop-off area located just outside the terminal. Fares are regulated by the government and are based on a fixed rate system. Visitors can expect to pay around €20-€30 for a taxi ride to popular tourist areas such as Valletta or St. Julian's. It's advisable to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.
• Ride-Share Services: Services like eCabs and Bolt offer a more budget-friendly transportation option. These services have designated pickup areas outside the terminal. They provide an affordable and convenient way to travel to various destinations on the island.
• Airport Shuttles: Several companies offer door-to-door shuttle services to various locations on the island. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal, and fares vary depending on the destination. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
• Public Transportation: Malta Public Transport operates bus services from the airport to various locations on the island. Fares start at €1.50, making it an economical and environmentally friendly option. The main bus routes from the airport include X1, X2, X3, and X4, which connect to different parts of the island. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver or from ticket machines at the airport.

Airport Hotels

Discover the convenience of staying close to your departure or arrival point with our selection of comfortable and well-situated airport hotels. Whether you're looking for a quick overnight stop or a base from which to explore the local culture and history, these hotels offer a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. From cozy townhouses to modern apartments, you'll find the perfect place to rest and recharge. Don't miss out on the opportunity to stay close to local attractions such as the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the vibrant Valletta Waterfront. Find your perfect stay among our selection of Malta Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Malta International Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there's something for everyone.

For a taste of local cuisine, head to Ta' Kris Restaurant, located in the Departures Hall. This restaurant serves traditional Maltese dishes such as rabbit stew and fish soup. Another great option is Illy Cafe, located in the Check-In Hall, which offers a selection of coffee drinks and light bites.

When it comes to shopping, Malta Airport has a range of stores to choose from. For duty-free shopping, visit the WHSmith store in the Departures Hall, which offers a variety of products including cosmetics, fragrances, and souvenirs. If you're looking for fashion and accessories, head to the Bortex store in the Check-In Hall.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at MLA can be found using iFly's interactive map.

Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi: Malta International Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
• Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is available for your convenience.
• Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Malta International Airport features a designated children's play area located in the Departures Hall.
• Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
• ATM: Several ATMs are available throughout the airport, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
• First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located in the Check-In Hall. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight and any changes that may occur. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status information at MLA Airport.

One way is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays show real-time information about flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information. Simply find the display board that corresponds to your flight and check for any updates.

Another way to stay informed is to download the mobile app of your airline. Most airlines have apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about any changes to their flight status. This includes departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Make sure to enable notifications in the app settings to receive these updates.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: Malta International Airport (MLA) is located in Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Terminals: The airport has one terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
• Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Air Malta, Ryanair, and easyJet. For a full list of airlines, visit the MLA Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: Malta International Airport handles approximately 17,000 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: The airport sees around 120 daily flights.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from MLA are London, Rome, Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Paris.
• Hub Status: Malta International Airport is a hub for Air Malta, the country's flag carrier airline.

Airport History

MLA Airport is the only airport in Malta and serves as the main hub for Air Malta. It has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s.

Significant events in the airport's history include:

• 1915: The first flight lands in Malta, marking the beginning of aviation in the country.
• 1923: The first seaplane lands in Malta, leading to the establishment of the first seaplane base.
• 1943: During World War II, the airport is heavily bombed by the Axis powers, causing significant damage.
• 1958: The airport is officially opened as a civilian airport, with the first commercial flight taking off to London.
• 1977: The airport undergoes a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building.
• 1992: the airport becomes a public limited company, with the Maltese government holding a majority stake.
• 2007: A new terminal building is opened, increasing the airport's capacity to 5 million passengers per year.
• 2017: The airport records its highest ever passenger traffic, with over 6 million passengers passing through its doors.

Today, Malta International Airport continues to play a vital role in the country's tourism industry, connecting Malta to destinations across Europe and beyond.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Malta International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: MLA
• Airport Website
• Phone: +356 2369 6000
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Malta International Airport, Luqa LQA 4000, Malta

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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