Airplane, Valletta

Malta's airport is located just five kilometers from Valletta in Luqa, and is typically referred to as Luqa Airport. It's a very busy airport for such a small island, and has international flights all over Europe and North Africa. Along with multiple budget airlines and charter flights for holiday makers, Air Malta is a major national airline too.

When I landed at Luqa I was expecting a bumpy ride. Being a flat island in the middle of the Mediterranean, the wind can get quite strong, and when I touched down in December it was nearing gale force. But the landing was remarkably smooth. That's because the Maltese have cleverly built the landing strip running towards the North-West where its strong winds usually come from. That means typically no nasty side winds.

The airport is very easy to get to. You could even walk it in about an hour if you had no baggage. Express buses serving Valletta are number X4, X5 and X7.

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We flew into Malta direct on Lufthansa from Frankfurt on a flight that took about 2 ½ hours. When planning the trip, I was surprised that flights were nonstop and relatively inexpensive, compared to flying into Sicily (which was our other destination).

Because we flew to Malta, then to Sicily, and back to Malta before heading back home to Frankfurt, we flew into and out of the Malta International Airport twice within two weeks. Each time we found the airport to be extremely efficient and a pleasant stay. It is a very small airport but has many services available to those that are waiting for flights.

Our departures were a breeze – short lines for baggage check and short security lines. Once inside the secure area we found shops and restaurants that kept us busy. Had we brought our laptop, we could’ve enjoyed the free wi-fi offered at the airport.

Arrivals were just as easy, with baggage arriving quickly and then just a short walk to the outside.
There are also several restaurants outside the secure area. On our first arrival, it was lunchtime when we landed so we picked up some sandwiches at the café near the rental car agencies. On our final departure, we had some extra time and had a drink and snack at Fat Harry’s, located on the lower level.

What surprised us the most about the Malta airport was that the prices were extremely reasonable. At no time did we get that feeling that we were being gouged just because we were a captive audience waiting for a flight (pet peeve of mine that we can’t take drinks through security but they are willing to charge you the proverbial arm and leg for one inside). I did something I never do at airports – bought some souvenirs, simply because I wanted to support these shops that seemed to actually care about the traveler through their pricing policies and their exceptional service.

With Valletta quickly becoming one of my favorite destination spots, I just might see this airport again!

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The national airline of Malta is Air Malta - the airline operates services to 36 destinations in Europe and North Africa. The airline's hub and base is at Malta International Airport, Malta. Between 2002 and 2007, Air Malta embarked upon a fleet replacement programme, opting to change all aircraft to Airbus A319s and A320s.
For online bookings consult the airline web page.

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Flight Information: +356 5004 3333

General Enquiries: +356 2124 9600 (24 hour service)

Passenger Services Department: +356 2124 9600 (24 hour service)
+356 2369 6292/6187 (Office hours 08.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs Monday to Friday)

Baggage Services: +356 2369 6063/4

24 hour Luggage Deposit: +356 2369 6012/6120

Airport Police Station: +356 2122 2942, 2369 6396

This is the international airport of Malta, which is located 6 km far away from Valletta. There are nice shops inside it, when you get out of it you feel it is hot enough (especially if it is summer!)...