Malta International Departures
Checking in for your Malta Airport Departure
Handling over 8 million passengers a year, Malta Airport’s departure areas are compact and easy to navigate. The Check-in Hall is located on the Ground Floor (Level 0), where you’ll find airline counters, baggage drop-off points, and self-check-in kiosks. Most airlines recommend checking in online in advance, leaving the counters primarily for passengers who need to drop off luggage. Online check-in typically opens 24 to 30 hours before departure.
Check-in counters usually open two hours before departure and close 45 minutes prior to take-off, though times may vary by airline, so it’s best to confirm with your carrier. For added convenience, baggage wrapping services are also available in the Check-in Hall.
Finally, remember to stop at Customs and the Tax Refund desk if you’re a non-EU resident and want to claim tax back on items purchased in Malta. The Customs and Tax Refund desks is before security, and you will need to have all the eligible items and receipts with you.
Malta International Airport Departures – Check-in counters are on the Ground Floor.
When to arrive at Malta Airport?
For all departures from Malta Airport, plan to arrive at least 2 hours before take-off. Departure checks usually move quickly, but they can take longer when several planes leave around the same time. Allowing extra time helps you avoid unnecessary stress.
What’s next?
After checking in and dropping your luggage off, you can proceed to the eGates, still on the Ground Floor, and present your boarding pass. This will give you access to the main Malta Airport departures area on the First Floor.
Next, you’ll go through the security checks. Your hand luggage will be x-rayed, and you will be asked to put electronic devices, belts, hats, keys, or coins into a tray. Remember that any liquids in your hand luggage must not exceed 100 ml and be stored in a clear plastic bag. They will also have to be placed into a tray.
If you’re flying outside the Schengen zone, you will go through passport controls after security, on Level 1. So make sure you have the correct travel documents for your final destination. Security checks can be very quick for departures from Malta Airport, but can take more than 30 minutes on a busy day. The same applies to passport controls.
What to do in Departures at Malta Airport?
Although Malta International Airport is compact, it offers a good mix of services for passengers before and after security. Travelers will find shops, duty-free outlets, and a range of dining options throughout the terminal. Free Wi-Fi and charging points are available in Malta Airport’s Departures Hall, as well as in other parts of the airport.
For added comfort, the La Valette Club Departures Lounge is located on Level 3, providing a quiet space with complimentary refreshments, work facilities, and seating. Also on Level 3 is the Observation Deck, which is open to all passengers and offers panoramic views of the runway and airfield.
*Please check our Malta Airport Guide for a complete overview of all services available in Malta International Airport departures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to arrive at Malta Airport?
You should plan to arrive at Malta Airport 2 hours before your departure. If you have checked in online and don’t have any bags to drop off, you may consider arriving a little later. But it’s always wise to give yourself plenty of time, in case something goes wrong.