Airport "Malta International". History, location, infrastructure

International Airport "Malta International" is not the only runway in the state. On the small island of Gozo there is a playground that takes helicopters from the capital of the country, Valletta. But now it's not about him. All foreign tourists, arriving in Malta by plane, land on the island of the same name. We can say that these are the only air gates of the country. What is Malta International Airport? Why should you be ready for a tourist? What to do in order not to get lost? How to get from the airport to the capital? Probably, these and many other questions torment travelers who are about to land on the island. Let's try to give exhaustive answers to many of them.

Brief history and location

The air communication of the island with the former metropolis - Great Britain - was established in the 1920s. The colonialists also built the first airport. Malta had a strategically important geographical position in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, near the shores of Europe, Asia and Africa. Initially, the airfield performed purely military functions. A terminal for passengers was opened only in March 1958. For civilians, they did not build a new hub, but simply used the runways of the military airfield of the Royal Air Force. With Malta's independence in 1979, the whole complex was transferred to local authorities. In 1987, the construction of a modern passenger terminal began, which ended in 1992. The new international airport of Malta received its name from the neighboring village of Luqa. It is located five kilometers from the capital of the country - the city of Valletta.

What flies to Malta from Russia?

All the year round, on Saturdays and Tuesdays from Moscow to the Mediterranean island fly the company Air Malta. In the summer, the number of flights increases significantly. After all, Malta is known as a wonderful European resort. In the tourist season, the sky lifts and aircraft charter flights, and not only from Moscow, but also other Russian cities. The airport "Malta International" serves not only Air Malta boards, but also 40 other companies. You can fly to the island with Lufthansa through Frankfurt or with KLM via Amsterdam. There are no direct flights to Malta from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Belarus, only charters fly. In the low season, passengers from these countries must travel to the island with transit transplants in major European cities.

Infrastructure

The airport "Luka Malta International" is small, only two floors, and it is almost impossible to get lost in it. Since this air harbor accepts several hundred thousand foreign passengers a year, everything here is designed to ensure that travelers feel full comfort. Landing stripes are ready to accept airliners of various modifications. Racks of passport, customs control, security screening are arranged so that no congestion is created. You can check-in on the Internet and hand over your luggage at a special table, presenting only a passport. The passengers are provided with a comfortable waiting room, a large duty-free shop and many points where you can have a snack before departure. Free WiFi is available throughout the building. Children can pass the time on the playgrounds. There are information points where you will be answered to any question regarding flights and roads to the towns of the island.

How to get to the capital and resorts?

As already mentioned, Valletta Airport (Malta) is actually located five kilometers from the city. Overcome this distance in several ways. The first one is the easiest, fastest, but expensive - take a taxi. There is a special Taxi Booth in the arrival terminal. Make out an order, and the driver himself puts your luggage in the car. If you have booked a hotel, make sure: can the hotel administration offer a shuttle? Sometimes transfer from the airport is included in the room rate. If you do not know where to stop, feel free to approach the stand of the special service center. There you will be prompted what the prices for the rooms, call the hotel, will cause the shuttle. Another way to travel freely around the island is to hire a car. In the arrivals hall, many companies expect customers, offering cars of any class. The cheapest way to get to the place of rest is by bus. From the airport are sent six routes - to Valletta and other cities. The name of the destination and intermediate stops are indicated on the scoreboard. On the apron of the bus station there are guards on duty who can buy a ticket.

What do you need to do before leaving Malta International airport?

In the arrival hall you will see a lot of service centers. Do not pass by - they were created for your convenience. In the tourist office "MTA" you will be provided with a map and will provide you with useful information. At the counter of telecommunications providers you can buy a local SIM card, and at the exchange office - to stock up the necessary amount of euros. We also recommend that you do not rush to buy only one bus ticket. Its price is 2.20 Є, while the subscription per day costs 2.60. If you plan to actively use public transport, we advise you to buy a ticket for a week for 12 Є.