While the airport in Malta is not large by any measure, it can be a little dis-orienting to newcomers so here are a few tips for anyone who ventures that far south.

First of all, if you’re planning on travelling to Malta, you should know that Malta has only 1 airport so you do not need to worry about whether your favourite low-cost carrier flies to an oddly located airport.

Arrivals

1. As you dis-embark and enter the building, you have a five-minute walk or so until you reach the baggage carousel. Arrivals from the Schengen zone will not go through passport control but all others will.
2. There are bank machines available for you before you get to the baggage carousel. While there are more machines after you exit customs, now is a good time to get some cash if you haven’t already done so.
3. Bags take a little longer to get there than people do but the convenient shop based right behind the carousel will keep you occupied.  One warning though – while this is convenient for last-minute presents, you will find cheaper items in supermarkets around the island.
4. Wi-Fi is available all over the airport building and is free.
5. Once you clear customs and get out, you will find a large number of people in the arrivals zone. Ignore them and cross the concourse to get outside and get into a taxi. Make sure you agree on a fee to your destination beforehand.  If you arrive during the day, you could catch a bus to the capital city but the service can be erratic on some days.

Departures

1. There aren’t that many check-in desks but if you have already checked in then a dedicated “web check-in” desk can be used depending on which airline you’re travelling with.
2. If you’re running late, head to security first.  While there is a well-stocked newsagent next to the check-in desks, there is an equally well-stocked one after security.
3. The cafeteria in the departures zone is not the best that there is.  If you have time, head up to Level 3 and use the diner there. The food is better than the fast-food joints you find on Level -1.
4. Electrical points are few and far but the free wi-fi can be incredibly useful.
5. Once past security, you’ll notice that the gates are all within 1-minute’s walk of one another.  Do keep an eye on the information screens though as some airlines will not wait for you if you don’t turn up on time!