Malta International Airport

Malta International Airport  is the only airport in Malta and it serves the whole Maltese Archipelago. It is located between Luqa and Gudja. It occupies the location of the former RAF Luqa and was completely re-furbished, becoming fully operational on 25 March 1992. It is still referred to by locals as Luqa Airport, and sometimes as Valletta Airport internationally, as it is located 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of the Maltese capital Valletta.

The airport serves as the main hub for Air Malta, though many other airlines also fly to the airport, including many holiday airlines. The airport is operated by Malta International Airport plc, a public limited company. It also hosts the Area Control Centre. The airport hosts the annual Malta Airshow, visited by military and civil aircraft from various European and other countries.

Malta International Airport has been awarded the title of Most Noteworthy Airport for a New Small Budget Programme by Passenger Terminal World, the international review of airport design, technology, security, operations and management. The airport is classified among the top 15 airports worldwide, joining Dubai, Brussels, San Francisco, Stockholm, Heathrow, Changi, Barcelona and Vienna, which were also awarded.

The Passenger Terminal World Annual 2010 said “When a new terminal can cost US$1.5 billion it is hard to think that many wonderful airports are being developed for a fraction of that sum, but Malta Airport is one such. With its current development programme it is a small airport with big plans – improving the commercial offer, enlarging security and other essential services, and gaining plaudits from the country’s population.” 

On the 4 March 2010, Ryanair announced the reaching of a 5-year agreement to make Malta International Airport its 41st base. One aircraft was based as from the 17th May 2010.  MIA's core air terminal operations include general passenger services, and the operation of an extensive range of retail services at the airport, airside and landside shops, restaurants and other outlets, which are all operated on concession agreements. MIA also leases office space to airlines and other travel related operators at the airport. Malta International Airport is a member of the ACI-EUROPE (Airport Council International - Europe) and a number of company officials sit on specialised committees and working groups within this council.

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 subsequently 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 what was then a Lm 300,000 (approx €700,000) project. Malta's new passenger air terminal at Luqa was inaugurated on 31 March 1958 by the then Governor of Malta Sir Robert Laycock. The air terminal consisted of two floors including some basic facilities such as a restaurant, a Post office, a Cable and Wireless office and a Viewing Balcony for the public.

Air traffic constantly increased and new airlines with larger aircraft started operations. The introduction of jet aircraft decreased flying times and consequently attracted more people to travel by air.

In October 1977, a new and longer runway was launched and works commenced on the extension and refurbishment of the air terminal. An arrivals lounge and another lounge dedicated to VIPs were added and the original part of the terminal building was used for departures.

Shopping and eating

You can find several shops at the airport, including news kiosk, florist and tax-free outlets. A good selection of renowned brands is available at the outlets. The shopping experience is completed with varied choice of Food and Beverage outlets. A number of them are accessible to public (arrivals and check-in hall area).

Facilities

Automated money exchange dispensers and ATM are available on the passengers Area, Arrivals. Also a 24 hour service of exchange bureau can be find on arrivals area. In addition, there is a post office and a telecommunications centre, located in the terminal. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the airport. A left luggage service is available 24-hours a day, as is a luggage secure-wrapping service.

Malta International Airport plc have introduced an enhanced service for disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility (PRMs) which will ensure a seamless passage through the airport terminal to the aircraft and similarly on return. The airport provides also some facilities. The terminal has wheelchair-accessible toilets, ramps and low-level payphones. Reserved parking spaces are available in the car park. Wheelchairs are available on request from the Customer Services Centre.

Through La Valette Club, VIP members have an access to lounges: La Valette Lounge (departures and arrivals). Internet access is available to lounge users with a free Wi-Fi throughout the area.

Fully-equipped business and conference rooms are available on request.

Skyparks Business Center

Created by an innovative team of leading design and architecture professionals, SkyParks has developed into a state-of-the-art corporate headquarters location that has been crafted to exceed the expectations of discerning tenants. SkyParks Business Centre is the corporate address. Located within the grounds of Malta International Airport, Skyparks is situated in one of Malta’s most commercially-oriented districts. With a foodprint of 3,100 square meters over 9 floors, the business centre is constructed in an Energy Efficiency Ethic way. It is the first building in Malta to have applied for BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification to become the island's first Grade A office park.

• The complex will house various facilities, including food and beverage outlets, a bank, a stationary shop and convenience store. Moreover, it will provide a fitness and wellness centre, a childcare centre and a large car park with over 160 spaces