Malta International Airport (MLA/LMML): Your Essential Guide to the Gateway to the Maltese Islands
Malta International Airport (MIA), officially known by its IATA code MLA and ICAO code LMML, serves as the sole air traffic gateway to the Republic of Malta, connecting this Mediterranean archipelago to over 100 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Strategically located in Luqa, just 8 km (5 miles) southwest of the historical capital city, Valletta, MIA is not just a transit point but a vibrant, award-winning hub known for its efficiency and customer service.
General Information and Key Updates (2025/2026)
MIA continues to elevate its status as one of Europe’s premier regional airports, consistently investing in capacity and sustainability to handle the nation’s booming tourism sector.
- Geographical Coordinates: 35° 51′ 26” N, 14° 28′ 39” E.
- Core Operations: Opened in 1992, MIA replaced the old Luqa terminal. It functions as the main operational base for the national carrier, KM Malta Airlines, and is a significant hub for budget airline giant, Ryanair.
- Traffic & Performance: Reflecting Malta’s popularity, MIA recorded robust growth, handling nearly 9 million passengers in 2024, a 15% rise from the previous period. Passenger movements are projected to continue this upward trajectory through 2026.
- Accolades and Sustainability Focus: MIA has been a recipient of multiple ACI (Airports Council International) Europe’s Best Airport awards in its category (under 10 million passengers) for several years. The airport is strongly committed to its 2030 carbon-neutral target, expanding its infrastructure with new photovoltaic farms and implementing energy-efficient solutions across its operations.
- Enhanced Security Screening (2025): In a major boost to passenger convenience, MIA has fully implemented next-generation EDS C3 security scanners. This means that travellers can now keep electronic devices and liquids (up to 2 litres) inside their cabin baggage during screening, significantly speeding up the security process.
Terminals, Services, and Major Infrastructure Expansion
Malta International Airport operates through a single, modern terminal building that seamlessly integrates Arrivals and Departures halls, ensuring smooth passenger flow.
- Major Expansion Project (2025–2029): MIA is executing a transformative €345 million investment, dubbed the Eastward Expansion. This ambitious project aims to double the size of the existing departures terminal, increasing the number of check-in desks from 36 to 68 and expanding the departure gates from 18 to 24, ensuring readiness for future passenger volumes.
- Recent Upgrades: The first phase, completed in mid-2025, focused on enlarging the non-Schengen arrivals area, effectively doubling the capacity of immigration booths to efficiently process travellers in anticipation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout.
- Premium Lounge Access: The exclusive La Valette Club Lounge offers an unparalleled pre-flight experience, featuring complimentary dining, a fully-stocked bar, and business facilities. Access is available for a fixed fee (approx. €40) for a maximum 3-hour stay, or through various airline and credit card partnerships.
- Passenger Amenities & Retail: The terminal features free, reliable “Maltairport Wi-Fi”. Passengers can enjoy a wide array of international retail brands, extensive duty-free shopping, and diverse dining options, including well-known names like Hard Rock Cafe and various local Maltese eateries.
- Additional Services: The airport provides 24/7 luggage services, including storage (costing €5–€15 depending on duration) and secure baggage wrapping (approx. €7). On-site technical facilities include maintenance hangars operated by industry leaders like Lufthansa Technik and SR Technics.
Airlines and Route Network Expansion
MIA’s route network is strategically designed to support year-round tourism and business travel, with record connectivity achieved in 2025.
- Key Carriers: The airport serves a powerful mix of legacy, low-cost, and charter airlines, including KM Malta Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, ITA Airways, and British Airways.
- Connectivity Milestones: The 2025 summer season saw the network reach a record high of 109 direct destinations, bolstered by the arrival of five new carriers, notably Qatar Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines.
- Strategic Markets: While Italy, the UK, Germany, France, and Poland remain the core passenger markets, MIA is aggressively expanding into Northern and Eastern European routes to diversify its source markets.
- New Routes and Frequencies:
- Winter 2025/2026 Focus: The upcoming winter schedule introduces exciting new routes to destinations like Tirana (Albania), Palma de Mallorca (Spain), and Gothenburg (Sweden).
- Year-Round Services: Carriers are committing to year-round operations; for instance, SAS has transitioned its Copenhagen service to a permanent schedule.
- Long-Haul Connections: The longest route, the connection to Doha (Qatar) operated by Qatar Airways, saw its frequency increased to four times a week starting July 2025, enhancing global connectivity. KM Malta Airlines also maintains a reliable link to Istanbul three times a week.
Ground Transport and Connectivity
Connecting MIA to Malta’s key tourist sites and commercial centres is straightforward, with multiple efficient transport options available.
- Location Advantage: The airport’s proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Old City of Valletta and the fortified city of Mdina, makes immediate transfers easy.
- Public Bus Service (Malta Public Transport): The reliable and affordable Express bus routes (X1, X2, X3, X4) connect the airport directly to major hubs like Valletta, Sliema, Buġibba, and St. Julian’s.
- Travel Time/Fares: The journey to Valletta takes approximately 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares are highly competitive, typically €2 in summer and €1.50 in winter for a single journey, with a slightly higher fare for night services. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or at the dedicated Agenda Bookshop inside the terminal.
- Taxi and Ride-Hailing: The official White Taxis operate from a dedicated stand outside the Arrivals hall. For competitive fares and ease of booking, popular ride-hailing apps like Bolt and eCabs are highly recommended, offering pre-booked and metered services. A standard taxi ride to Valletta costs around €15–€20 and takes about 20 minutes.
- Car Rental: Major international car hire companies, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget, operate desks in the Arrivals area. Due to high demand, especially during the peak summer season, advance booking is strongly advised.
- Parking Facilities: MIA provides ample short- and long-term parking. A passenger-friendly policy offers the first 30 minutes of parking free of charge, making pick-ups and drop-offs convenient.
Contact Information
For real-time flight information and further details regarding services, passengers can use the following contact points:
- Address: Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000, MALTA
- General Enquiries Telephone: +356 2124 9600
- Official Website: www.maltairport.com