Luqa - Malta

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ICAO Code LMML/MLA
Last Validated Aug 2011
City Luqa
Position 35°51'27"N 014°28'39"E
Runway(s) 05/23, 13/31
Elevation 300 ft

General

Malta International Airport (MIA) is situated near the town of Luqa on the main of three islands Malta consists of. It is the homebase for Air Malta and the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing. Also a permanent detachment of the Italian Air Force is based at MIA called "Missione Italiana di Assistenza Tecnica" (MIATM) operating two AB212's. Because of its position close to Europe, Africa and the Middle-East airlines from these continents visit MIA on a regular base. Also various navy aircraft visit MIA whenever navy vessels visit the nearby grand harbour of Valetta.

Getting There

Because Malta is an island the easiest and fastest way to get there is by plane, although it's also reachable by boat. The main airline Air Malta flies from and to various countries within Europe and Africa. Also airlines like British Airways, Alitalia and Lufthansa fly to Malta on a daily base.

Around the Airport

1Near the Terminal

The first place to take a look at the main ramp near the terminals is situated just southeast of the car parks and entrance of the airfield. From here you can see all aircraft parked in front of the main building and you have a good sight on taxiway "charlie" in front of you. The best time to take pictures is in the morning when you have the sun in your back and you will need between 135 and 200mm.

2Runway 31

Here you are near the beginning of runway 31. From here you have a view over the runway and you can take pictures with less than 300mm of aircraft backtracking the runway towards you and turning in front of you prior to depart of runway 31.

3The spotters wall

There is a spotters wall situated on the road near spot 3, opposite the civil terminal. From here you'll have a clear view on the runway and on the main platforms. This is one of the best places to take pictures from with 200mm or less.

4Runway 05

This is where runway 05 starts. Despite the good view this spot is not the best since runway 05 is not in use very often.

5Ramp 2

Spot 6 is situated near ramp 2 where smaller visiting airplanes are parked. Also you have a view on runway 13/31 but airplanes are a bit high here since the runway is a bit far away

6Luqa

At spot 7, near the town of Luqa, you are able to take a look at the Malta Air Squadron ramp (ramp 7). Also you can see aircraft arrive and depart from runway 13/31. Nearest to you is ramp 1 where general aviation aircraft are parked.

Rarely seen aircraft visit Malta on their way to Europe, like this Saudi Tornado, pictured from spot 3. Photo Peter Tonna

Frequencies

121.825Apron & Clearance Delivery
135.100Tower
118.350 / 128.150Approach
133.900 / 284.500Apron, Tower, Approach (alt)
127.400ATIS
127.525Malta Information
131.400Medavia operations
131.450Air Malta operations
131.550Malta International Airport operations
131.965Air Malta ground movement

Based Operators

Armed Forces of Malta Air WingAW139, BN-2B, Alouette III, Bulldog T1, Beech B200
Air MaltaA319, A320
EurojetLj60
MedaviaBeech 1900, C212, DHC-8, Do328

Preserved

HB-IVXDHC-7, in builder's yard across road from airport, close to LTM
(9H-AFO)tailless AP.68TP, east of LTM near small hangars

More Info

Malta International AirportOfficial website
Malta SpottingEnthusiast website with movements, news, Maltese register, etc.

Order of Battle Malta

Malta - Armed Forces

Other Airfields

Luqa - Malta

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