Malta International Airport (MLA/LMML) Operational Guide

Malta International Airport (MLA / LMML) operates around the clock, with H24 customs, immigration, air traffic services, fuel and ground handling.

For a non-scheduled or private operation, however, H24 availability is only the starting point.

The flight may need to align with Civil Aviation Directorate requirements, airport schedule facilitation, ground-handler acceptance, parking, fuel, customs and immigration arrangements, and crew logistics before the movement can be finalised.

ASM provides 24/7 flight support for Malta and other Mediterranean operations, coordinating these requirements around the complete mission.

Information reviewed: 7 August 2026. Operators should check the current Malta AIP, AIP Supplements and applicable NOTAMs before every movement.

Malta International Airport at a glance

Operational item	Published information
Airport	Malta International Airport / Luqa
IATA / ICAO	MLA / LMML
Location	Approximately 5 km from Valletta
Elevation	297 ft
Reference temperature	32.5°C
Traffic	IFR / VFR
Aerodrome Duty Officer	H24
Customs & immigration	H24
AIS / ARO	H24
ATS	H24
Fuel	H24
Ground handling	H24
Security	H24
RWY 13/31	3,350 × 58 m
RWY 05/23	2,373 × 45 m
RFFS	CAT 9 H24
General aviation parking	Apron 3 designated for GA aircraft up to Code C

These details should always be reconfirmed against the current Malta AIP before operation.

Schedule facilitation at Malta International Airport

Malta International Airport is an IATA Level 2 schedule-facilitated airport, rather than a Level 3 coordinated airport.

This means proposed schedules need to be coordinated with the airport, but the process is different from formal Level 3 slot allocation.

For operators, the practical sequence may involve:

Proposed schedule → airport schedule facilitation → handler confirmation → applicable CAD notification or approval → supporting services

The current Malta AIP requires operators submitting an airport schedule request to identify their preferred ground handler. If a handler has not been nominated, Malta International Airport may assign one.

Schedule Facilitation contact

Malta International Airport Schedule Facilitation
Email: scm@maltairport.com
Tel: +356 2369 6617 / +356 2369 6219

Airport schedule confirmation should also be kept separate from any ATFM Calculated Take-Off Time issued later for the flight.

Flight permissions and notifications for Malta

Malta applies different requirements depending on the operator, aircraft registration, routing and type of operation.

A single “landing permit required for all flights” rule should therefore not be applied to every private or non-scheduled movement.

EEA / Community air carriers

Community air carriers exercising applicable traffic rights on routes within the Community generally operate under prior notification rather than requiring a separate operating approval.

Where a Community carrier conducts operations outside the EEA, additional approval or an operating permit may be required.

Non-Community operators

Non-Community air carriers may require prior approval or an operating permit for applicable commercial operations to or from Malta.

Documentation can include:

• Certificate of Airworthiness
• Insurance certificate
• Air Operator Certificate
• Aircraft registration details
• Lease documentation where applicable
• Flight programme
• Charterer information
• Cargo information where relevant
• Other documents required by the Civil Aviation Directorate

Traffic rights may also form part of the authority review.

ASM’s flight permit support can review the applicable process for the proposed operation.

Private flights

Private flights must comply with the applicable notification and operational requirements.

The exact process should be established from:

• Aircraft registration
• Nature of operation
• Routing
• Passenger or cargo status
• Airworthiness documentation
• Current Malta Civil Aviation Directorate requirements

What information may be required?

For applicable commercial and private flights operating into Malta, authorities may require information including:

• Operator name
• Operator contact details
• Flight number or callsign
• Aircraft type
• Aircraft registration
• Origin
• Destination
• Nature of flight
• Arrival and departure date and time
• Charterer details where applicable
• Passenger and crew information
• Cargo information
• Dangerous-goods information where applicable

A flight-support provider or ground handler may coordinate submissions on behalf of the operator where permitted.

Providing complete details at the beginning allows the regulatory, airport and handling requirements to be reviewed together.

Special airworthiness cases

Foreign-registered aircraft operating with a non-standard Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly require additional planning.

For applicable cases, Malta requires landing-clearance requests to be submitted at least 72 hours before the planned flight.

This lead time applies to the specific airworthiness category and should not be used as a blanket permit timeline for all Malta operations.

State, military and government flights

State aircraft follow separate clearance procedures.

This can include:

• Military aircraft
• Police or customs aircraft
• Head-of-State flights
• Head-of-Government flights
• Certain government VIP operations
• Other state missions

These movements may require diplomatic clearance and longer advance notice than a routine business-aviation movement.

State or military status should therefore be identified at the initial planning stage.

Overflight requirements

A separate overflight permit is not required for every standard civil aircraft crossing Maltese airspace.

Additional permission may apply to aircraft registered in states that have not adhered to the Chicago Convention or to aircraft operating with non-standard airworthiness documentation.

Other routine civil overflights are generally managed through the filed flight plan and applicable air traffic procedures.

The operator’s registration and airworthiness status should be reviewed before determining whether additional permission is needed.

Ground handling at Malta International Airport

Ground handling is available H24.

General aviation handling providers published for Malta include operators such as:

• DC Aviation Malta
• Executive Aviation Malta
• Medavia Ground Handling

The current AIP and airport information should be used to reconfirm which provider can accept the proposed aircraft and requested scope of services.

Depending on the mission, handling may include:

• Marshalling
• Passenger handling
• Crew handling
• Baggage
• GPU
• Aircraft stairs
• Lavatory service
• Potable water
• Towing
• Catering coordination
• Fuel coordination
• Customs and immigration coordination
• Passenger transport
• Crew transport
• Parking support

The ground handler should be confirmed before the movement is finalised.

Passenger lounges, private processing, airside vehicle access or other specific arrangements should be requested and confirmed for the actual flight rather than assumed as standard.

General aviation parking at LMML

Apron 3 is identified for general aviation aircraft up to Code C.

Parking nevertheless remains subject to availability and confirmation for the proposed movement.

Operators should provide:

• Aircraft type
• Aircraft registration
• Wingspan where relevant
• ETA
• ETD
• Expected ground time
• Towing requirements
• Maintenance requirements
• Overnight or multi-day parking needs

Airport schedule acceptance does not automatically confirm extended aircraft parking.

For longer stays, early coordination is recommended.

Hangar availability

Visiting-aircraft hangar capacity at Malta is limited and should be arranged separately from parking.

Published facilities include hangar capability by prior request through local aviation and maintenance providers, subject to aircraft dimensions and availability.

For a visiting aircraft requiring shelter or maintenance, provide:

• Aircraft type
• Wingspan
• Length
• Tail height where relevant
• Required dates
• Maintenance scope
• Towing requirements

Hangar acceptance should be obtained before the operation is committed.

Jet A-1 fuel at Malta

Fuel is available 24 hours a day at Malta International Airport.

Published fuel types include:

• Jet A-1
• AVGAS 100LL

Jet A-1 is supplied using fuel trucks, with providers including Enemed and other authorised suppliers.

For business or general aviation movements, uplift should still be arranged in advance.

Provide:

• Aircraft registration
• Aircraft type
• ETA / ETD
• Fuel grade
• Requested uplift
• Fuel release or payment details

ASM’s aviation fuel services can coordinate the fuel requirement alongside handling, parking and the wider flight-support request.

Runway considerations

Malta International Airport has two runways with different dimensions and operating characteristics.

RWY 13/31

3,350 × 58 m

This is the airport’s longer runway and supports a broader range of aircraft operations.

RWY 05/23

2,373 × 45 m

RWY 05/23 is published for take-off and landing by aircraft up to Code C.

Aircraft suitability should be assessed against:

• Aircraft type
• Operating weight
• Temperature
• Wind
• Runway condition
• Take-off performance
• Landing performance
• Departure routing
• Current airport restrictions

Malta’s published aerodrome reference temperature is approximately 32.5°C, making hot-weather performance review particularly relevant during summer operations.

H24 operations and noise procedures

Malta International Airport supports H24 flight operations.

Local noise-abatement procedures nevertheless remain applicable.

Published procedures include adherence to applicable departure routings within aircraft-performance limitations. Restrictions also apply to certain higher-power engine ground runs.

High-power engine ground running generally requires airport authorisation and is normally restricted during the night period, except where specifically approved for operational reasons.

Operators planning maintenance or engine testing during a Malta stop should therefore coordinate the requirement with the handler and airport before arrival.

Customs and immigration

Customs and immigration at Malta International Airport are published 24 hours in advance.

The passenger process depends on:

• Origin of flight
• Destination
• Passenger nationality
• Crew nationality
• Immigration status
• Nature of goods carried
• Cargo status

Malta is part of both the European Union and the Schengen Area, but these frameworks address different requirements.

Schengen primarily affects immigration and border controls. Customs requirements can still apply depending on the origin, destination and goods carried.

An international operation may require:

• General Declaration
• Passenger manifest
• Crew manifest
• Cargo manifest
• Passport information
• Visa checks
• Customs declarations
• Dangerous-goods documentation

Passengers and crew remain responsible for holding the appropriate immigration documentation.

Crew HOTAC and transport

A Malta overnight, technical stop or crew-change operation may require accommodation and transport as part of the mission plan.

Crew arrangements can include:

• Hotel accommodation
• Airport-to-hotel transfer
• Crew pickup
• Early check-in
• Late check-out
• Meal requirements
• Crew-change transport
• Standby transport
• Schedule-change contingency

The hotel should be selected around the crew’s duty and rest requirements rather than passenger preferences.

For more on the operational role of crew accommodation, review What Is HOTAC in Aviation?.

ASM can coordinate HOTAC and crew transport alongside the airport handling requirement.

Malta for technical stops

Malta’s position in the central Mediterranean can make LMML relevant for certain technical, positioning and multi-sector operations.

Possible uses include:

• Fuel stops
• Crew changes
• Maintenance support
• Ferry flights
• Aircraft positioning
• Mediterranean multi-sector operations

The suitability of Malta as a technical stop should be assessed against the complete flight plan.

Consider:

• Route efficiency
• Required fuel uplift
• Airport schedule acceptance
• Ground time
• Crew duty
• Handler capability
• Parking
• Maintenance requirements
• Weather
• Alternate airports
• Requirements at the next destination

A geographically convenient stop is not necessarily the strongest operational choice if it creates excessive ground time or a crew-duty limitation.

Planning onward Mediterranean sectors

Malta can form part of a wider Mediterranean itinerary involving Italy, North Africa, southern Europe or the eastern Mediterranean.

For multi-sector operations, the Malta schedule should be coordinated with the next airport’s requirements, including:

• Slots or schedule coordination
• Landing permissions
• Handling
• Parking
• Fuel
• Crew duty
• Customs
• Passenger requirements

This becomes particularly important when the departure from Malta must connect with a restricted arrival window at the next airport.

What ASM needs to coordinate Malta flight support

To begin the operational review, provide the following information where available.

Aircraft and operator

• Operator name
• AOC holder where applicable
• Aircraft type
• Registration
• MTOW
• Callsign or flight number

Schedule

• Origin
• Destination
• ETA
• ETD
• Expected ground time
• Subsequent sector

Nature of operation

Specify whether the movement is:

• Commercial non-scheduled
• Private non-revenue
• Scheduled
• Technical
• Ferry
• Cargo
• State or military
• MEDEVAC
• Other special operation

This helps determine which Malta approval or notification requirements apply.

Passengers and crew

Provide:

• Passenger count
• Crew count
• Manifest details
• Nationalities where relevant
• Special assistance requirements

Cargo

For cargo operations, provide:

• Commodity
• Weight
• Dangerous-goods status
• Loading requirements
• Any required documentation

Ground handling

Identify requirements such as:

• GPU
• Aircraft stairs
• Lavatory service
• Potable water
• Catering
• Towing
• Passenger handling
• Baggage services

Fuel

Provide:

• Fuel grade
• Required uplift
• Fuel release or billing information

Parking

Confirm whether the operation requires:

• Turnaround parking
• Same-day parking
• Overnight parking
• Multi-day parking
• Hangarage

Crew requirements

Include any requirement for:

• HOTAC
• Crew transport
• Crew change
• Engineering or maintenance support

Providing the complete support request allows airport coordination, permissions, handling, parking and fuel to be assessed together.

When should a Malta support request be submitted?

There is no single lead time that applies to every Malta operation.
The applicable process depends on the type of flight.

For example:

• EEA carriers conducting qualifying intra-Community services may operate under notification requirements.
• Non-Community commercial operators may require prior operating approval.
• Certain EEA operations outside the EEA may require additional approval.
• Aircraft with non-standard airworthiness documentation may require at least 72 hours for landing clearance.
• State and military operations follow separate procedures and generally require additional advance planning.

For routine movements, operators should begin coordination once the schedule is reasonably firm rather than relying only on the minimum regulatory notice period.

Schedule facilitation, parking, handler availability or special services may require additional planning.

Operational contacts

Malta International Airport Schedule Facilitation

Email: scm@maltairport.com
Tel: +356 2369 6617 / +356 2369 6219

Malta International Airport Operations Duty Officer

Tel: +356 2369 6159 / +356 2369 6168

Transport Malta Civil Aviation Directorate

For applicable landing and overflight clearance requirements:

Tel: +356 7924 5205 / +356 2555 5653

Operational contacts should be reconfirmed against the current Malta AIP or Transport Malta information before use.

Frequently asked questions

Is Malta International Airport open 24 hours?

Yes. Customs and immigration, ATS, fuel, ground handling and other core services are published H24.

Specific activities remain subject to local airport procedures.

Is Malta International Airport a Level 3 slot airport?

No. Malta International Airport is an IATA Level 2 schedule-facilitated airport.

Operators should coordinate the proposed schedule with Malta International Airport and obtain the required airport acceptance.

Do private flights require a Malta landing permit?

Requirements depend on the aircraft, operator, registration, routing and nature of the operation.

Private flights remain subject to applicable notification requirements, while certain commercial, foreign or special operations require additional approval.

Do non-Community charter operators need approval?

Applicable non-Community commercial operators require prior approval or an operating permit from Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate.

Required documentation and traffic-right requirements should be reviewed before the operation.

Which ground handlers support general aviation at LMML?

Published providers include DC Aviation Malta, Executive Aviation Malta and Medavia Ground Handling.

Handler availability and service scope should be reconfirmed for each movement.

Is Jet A-1 available at Malta International Airport?

Yes. Jet A-1 is published as available H24.

The requested uplift should still be arranged before arrival.

What are the runway dimensions at Malta?

The published runway dimensions are:

• RWY 13/31 — 3,350 × 58 m
• RWY 05/23 — 2,373 × 45 m

RWY 05/23 has additional aircraft-code limitations that should be checked against the proposed operation.

Does Malta have a night curfew?

Malta International Airport supports H24 flight operations.

However, local noise procedures and restrictions affecting certain activities, including higher-power engine ground running, remain applicable.

Is hangarage available for visiting aircraft?

Limited hangar facilities may be available by prior arrangement.

Aircraft dimensions, dates, maintenance scope and provider acceptance must be confirmed before operation.

Related operational resources

For complete trip coordination, review ASM Flight Support.
For regulatory support, see Flight Permits.
For fuel arrangements, review Aviation Fuel Services.
For crew-rest planning, see What Is HOTAC in Aviation?.

Request flight support at Malta International Airport

Planning a movement into MLA / LMML?

Share the aircraft details, operator status, schedule, ground time, passenger or cargo information, fuel requirement and crew arrangements with ASM.

Our operations team can coordinate the applicable Malta permissions or notifications, schedule facilitation, ground handling, parking, fuel and crew support around the proposed movement.

Request Flight Support

Email: sales@asm.aero
Telephone: +971 4 409 7755

Operating permissions, schedule acceptance, handling, parking, fuel, customs, immigration and other operational services remain subject to applicable authority requirements and confirmation for the individual movement.