MLA Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Malta Airport
Despite welcoming close to 8 million passengers a year over its single terminal, Malta Airport is a small and efficient hub that is easy to navigate.
Malta Airport departures processes take place on the Ground Floor, where you will find the airline counters, self-check-in kiosks, and baggage drop-off areas. Most airlines advise passengers to check in online so that only those who have bags to check need to go to the counters. Online check-in is usually open 24 to 30 hours before departure.
After checking in and dropping your luggage off, if you have any, you will proceed to a security eGate, still on the Ground Floor, to check your boarding pass. This will give you access to the departures area on the First Floor.
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 are after 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 departures from Malta Airport, it’s recommended to arrive 2 hours before take-off for flights within the Schengen area and 3 hours for international destinations. Though departure checks are usually handled quickly, there may be days when they take more time, for instance, when several planes leave at about the same time. Planning extra time is best to avoid any stress.
What’s next?
After going through the eGates on the Ground Floor, you will access the departure areas and 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 crystal clear bag. They will also have to be placed into a tray. If flying outside the Schengen zone, you will go through passport controls right after.
Security checks can be very quick for departures from Malta Airport but can also last up to 30 minutes on a busy day. The same applies to passport controls. Checking the live Malta Airport departures tracker above should give you an idea of how busy the airport will be on the day you leave the island.
What to do in Departures at Malta Airport?
In spite of its small size, Malta Airport provides shopping and dining amenities to passengers, both before and after security. The airport lounge is on Floor 3 and offers a quiet and relaxing space with views over the runways. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are available, like in the rest of the airport. Please check our Malta Airport Guide for a complete overview of all services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to arrive at Malta Airport?
You should plan to arrive at Malta Airport 2 hours before departures if you’re flying to a Schengen country and 3 hours if travelling to an international destination.