Malta International Airport is not the only runway in the state. On the small island of Gozo, there is a site that receives helicopters from the country's capital, Valletta. But now it's not about him. All foreign tourists, arriving in Malta by plane, land on the island of the same name. It can be said that this is the only air gate of the country. What is Malta International Airport? What should a tourist be prepared for? 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 preparing to land on the island. We will try to give comprehensive answers to many of them.
Brief history and location
Air communication of the island with the former metropolis - Great Britain - was established back in the 20s of the twentieth century. The colonialists 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. At first, the airfield performed purely military functions. And the terminal for passengers was opened only in March 1958. For civilians, they did not begin to build a new hub, but simply used the runways of the Royal Air Force military airfield. With Malta gaining independence in 1979, the entire complex was transferred to local authorities. In 1987, construction began on a modern passenger terminal, which was completed in 1992. Malta's new international airport received its name from the neighboring village of Luka. It is located five kilometers from the country's capital - the city of Valletta.
What flies to Malta from Russia?
All year round, on Saturdays and Tuesdays, airplanes from Malta are flying from Moscow to the Mediterranean island. In the summer, the number of flights increases significantly. After all, Malta is reputed to be a beautiful European resort. During the tourist season, charter flights also fly to the sky, and not only from Moscow, but also from other Russian cities. Malta International Airport serves not only Air Malta's aircraft, but also 40 other companies. You can fly to the island with Lufthansa via Frankfurt or with KLM via Amsterdam. From Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Belarus there are no direct flights to Malta, only charters fly. In low season, passengers from these countries must travel to the island with transit connections in major European cities.
Infrastructure
The Luka Malta International Airport is small, with only two floors, and it is almost impossible to get lost in it. Since this air harbor receives several hundred thousand foreign passengers a year, everything here is designed so that travelers feel complete comfort. Landing strips are ready to accept liners of various modifications. Racks of passport, customs control, security screening are designed so that no traffic jams are created. You can check-in on the Internet and check your baggage at a special table, showing only a passport. It offers passengers a comfortable waiting room, a large duty-free shop and many points where you can eat before departure. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport building. Children can pass the time on the playgrounds. There are information points where you will be answered any question regarding flights and roads to the cities 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. There are several ways to overcome this distance. The first of them - the easiest, fastest, but expensive - to take a taxi. There is a special Taxi Booth at the arrivals terminal. Place an order, and the driver himself carries your luggage into the car. If you have booked a hotel, make sure: maybe the hotel offers a shuttle? Sometimes an airport transfer is included in the room rate. If you still do not know where to stay, feel free to go to the front desk of a special service center. They will tell you what prices for rooms, call the hotel, call the shuttle. Another way to travel around the island without hindrance is to rent a car. In the arrivals hall, many companies are waiting for customers, offering cars of any class. The cheapest way to get to the place of rest is by bus. Six routes leave from the airport - to Valletta and other cities. The name of the destination and intermediate stops are indicated on the scoreboard. Conductors are on duty at the bus station platform where you can buy a ticket.
What needs to be done before leaving Malta International Airport?
In the arrivals hall you will see many service centers. Do not pass by - they are created for your convenience. At the MTA Travel Office, they will provide you with a map and provide you with useful information. At the counter of telecommunication providers you can buy a local SIM card, and at the currency exchange office - stock up on the right amount of euro. We also recommend that you do not rush to buy only one bus ticket. Its price is 2.20 ะ, while a subscription for a day costs 2.60. If you plan to actively use public transport, we advise you to purchase a ticket for a week for 12 ะ.