Malta International Airport (MLA) is located in Luqa, Malta, outside the capital city of Valletta. The airport has one main passenger terminal used by scheduled airlines.
Malta International Airport handled more than 10 million passenger movements in 2025. Its five largest passenger markets that year were the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Germany and France.
Airport Direct buses depart from the signposted bus terminal outside arrivals. TD1 serves Rabat, Buġibba, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa. TD2 serves St. Julian’s and Pembroke, TD3 serves St. Julian’s, Sliema, Gżira and Msida, TD4 serves Valletta and the Gozo Fast Ferry connection, and TD5 serves Rabat and Buġibba. Other local buses also serve the airport. For a taxi, purchase a prepaid ticket at the taxi booth in the Welcomers’ Hall. Check the bus operator’s latest timetable before travelling.
Interactive Malta Airport Map
Malta Airport Terminal
Malta Airport has one main passenger terminal. Check-in and the arrivals facilities, including the Welcomers’ Hall and baggage reclaim, are on Level 0. The Departures Lounge is on Level 1. Follow airport signs to the appropriate Schengen or non-Schengen boarding area.
Malta Airport has separate Schengen and non-Schengen departure areas. Check the airport’s flight information screens for your assigned gate. If you are flying to a non-Schengen destination, follow the signs for passport control and allow time to complete the required checks.
All scheduled passenger airlines use the same main terminal. Check the departure screens for your assigned boarding gate after security. Walking time depends on the gate and the route required, including any passport control for non-Schengen departures.
The terminal offers ATMs, Wi-Fi, shops and dining facilities, with additional facilities beyond security. Malta International Airport does not have an on-site currency exchange bureau. Car parking is available within walking distance of the terminal.
Malta Airport Car Rental
Car rental desks and offices are located in the Park East car park near the main terminal. Follow the signs for Park East from the arrivals area. Several rental companies have desks on Level 1, but you should confirm the exact counter location and vehicle pick-up instructions with your chosen provider. Rental desk opening hours vary by company and may be arranged around flight schedules. Check your booking confirmation for the desk hours, vehicle collection point and any after-hours pick-up instructions. The Park East car rental area is within walking distance of the main terminal.
Malta Airport VIP Lounge
La Valette Club operates two airport lounges: an Arrivals Lounge within the baggage reclaim area and a Departures Lounge on Level 3. Eligible members can use the lounges, and one-time passes are also available for non-members. Access is subject to lounge availability.
La Valette Club Departures is located on the third floor of the terminal. The lounge features an outdoor terrace and a smoking area. Food and beverage service is available inside. The lounge includes a workspace, computers, and printers. You can enjoy as many complimentary snacks and beverages including alcoholic drinks as you like. Passengers traveling without a laptop can use the computers available in the lounge.
Hotels near Malta Airport
Airport transfer arrangements vary by hotel. Before booking a property near Malta Airport, confirm directly with the hotel whether an airport transfer is available, whether it has a fee, and where passengers are collected.
Cugó Gran Macina is situated within an old shipyard and fortress structure in Senglea, part of Malta’s Three Cities region. Thanks to its location right on the edge of Grand Harbour, most of the hotel’s rooms offer direct views of the harbor. You can reach Valletta by ferry in just a few minutes. The hotel building has been restored and converted into a hotel. The hotel features spacious suites, high ceilings, and minimalist interiors. The rooftop features a panoramic pool and terrace. Cugó Gran Macina is 4 km from Malta International Airport.
IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina is a boutique hotel located in Malta’s historic Three Cities region, on the Birgu side. The hotel is very close to the marina and coastal walking paths. Getting to Valletta from this hotel is also very easy. The hotel features a rooftop terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina is just 4 km from Malta International Airport.
Grand Hotel Excelsior is located in Floriana, just outside Valletta. You can walk to the city center from the hotel. This hotel is situated within the 16th-century city walls. The hotel is across from Marsamxett Harbor. The hotel features a private marina, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa area. The hotel also features a small private beach area and multiple restaurants. The Grand Hotel Excelsior is approximately 5 km from Malta International Airport.
Domus Zamittello is situated right in the heart of Valletta, on Republic Street. This hotel is housed within a 17th-century palazzo. From the hotel, you can easily reach the city’s main tourist attractions on foot. The hotel has 21 rooms and suites. It offers a 24 hour front desk, concierge service, meeting spaces, and a terrace. Domus Zamittello is 5 km from Malta International Airport.
Malta Airport Location
Malta Airport Address: Luqa, LQA 4000, Malta.
Malta Airport IATA: MLA.
Malta Airport ICAO: LMML.
Satellite view of Malta Airport. Click to enlarge
Malta Airport destination map (April 2026). Click to enlarge