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Malta's geographical position made it possible for the Island to develop the aviation industry as early as the second decade of this century. At the time Malta was a British colony and as expected the first aircraft in Malta were to be military. Civil aircraft appeared later during the 1920's.

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 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 the Lm 300,000 project. Malta' new passenger air terminal at Luqa was inaugurated on March 31, 1958 by the then Governor of Malta Sir Robert Laycock. The air terminal consisted of two floors including facilities such as a restaurant, a Post office, a Cable and Wireless office and a Viewing Balcony for the public to watch aircraft movements.

Air traffic constantly increased and new airlines with bigger aircraft started operations to Malta. The advent of jet aircraft decreased flying times and thus attracted more people to travel by air.

In October 1977, a new, longer runway was inaugurated and works commenced on the extension and refurbishing of the air terminal. An arrival lounge and another dedicated to VIP's were added and the older part of the terminal was used for departures.

This refurbishment was not enough as it still lacked certain essential facilities. Immediately after the change in Government in 1987, the new administration decided that the 35-year old terminal was past its days and gave the green light for the construction of a new air terminal along Park 9.

Until the construction of the new air terminal was completed, the Government embarked on a further uplift of the old air terminal. Facilities introduced included air conditioning, automatic baggage carousels, flight information monitors, computerized check-in desks, a new floor surface and new retail outlets including a larger duty free area.

The foundation stone of the present air terminal was laid in September 1989 and inaugurated a record 29 months later in February 1992. Malta International Airport became fully operational on March 25, 1992, effectively closing down the old Luqa airport after 35 years.

The public perception of the airport is that it is a monument of progress, technology and standards. Malta International Airport has always been a role model for other organizations and is the prime force for change, innovation and creativity in Malta's civil aviation history.

The airport bears witness to the soundness of Government's decision in the latter half of the eighties to build a new international air passenger terminal and more importantly, to entrust its ownership and management to an independent limited liability company whose mission would be modern, forward-looking and customer-oriented.

Malta International Airport took off with modern concepts and long-term investment to be able to meet the challenges the country now faces in the wake of the constant evolution in aviation industry. The way MIA operates has revolutionized not only the way a public organization operates but has also driven other private enterprises to follow suit. We were only accustomed to such philosophy and concepts in other European airports.

 

Information and help desks: Malta tourist information (tel: 6999 6073) is located in the Arrivals Hall and is open 24 hours a day. The Passenger Services Centre (tel: 6999 7002) is located inside the check-in hall and is also open around the clock.

Airport Facilities: There are two banks located inside the Arrivals Hall and several foreign currency exchange, open 24 hours a day. There are numerous restaurants and cafeterias including a bistro on level three, a diner on level -1 and two cafeterias situated inside the check-in and Arrivals Hall. A snack bar is located in the Departures lounge. There are tax-free shops, in both the Departures lounge and arrivals hall, and non tax-free shops, located in both the check-in hall and the Arrivals Hall.

Business Facilities: There are three executive lounges at the airport: The Gerolamo Cassar (Arrivals area), the La Valette executive lounge is situated in the Departures lounge, the Ewropa Lounge is situated in the Departures. Internet access is available to lounge users.

Driving Directions: The airport is situated at Luqa, 5km (3 miles) south-east of Valletta