Malta International Airport: Difference between revisions

MLA is an airport with a proud history. As RAF Luqa, it was one of the airfields from which the epic defence of Malta was conducted in 1941-42. It was also a base for offensive operations aimed at cutting off supplies to the Axis forces in North Africa, contributing in no small way to the Allied victory in the Mediterranean.

After Malta's independence RAF Luqa was developed as a commercial airport and today it is the only airport for fixed-wing aircraft in Malta. It has two runways. Runway 14/32, the longer one at 3.5 km, is normally used for commercial passenger traffic while runway 06/24 (length 2.4 km) is used mainly by light aircraft. MLA is the venue of the Malta International Airshow which is held in late September each year.  

This spot is an excellent morning vantage-point for departing aircraft on their way to runway 32 or arrivals exiting runway 14 via taxiways C or D. Aircraft in the nearer parking bays in park 9 are also reachable, though heat distortion can be a problem on hot days. Runway 32 takeoffs can be photographed with a moderately long lens. There are portholes for photographers at intervals in the fence so a stepladder is not necessary, though shooting takeoffs through the portholes is difficult.

'''Time of day:''' Morning only.

'''Time of day:''' Morning only.

Offers a view of runway 32 takeoffs and touchdowns. However, this is an awkward spot as an old farmhouse on the right will restrict your view of incoming aircraft. To get a better view you would have to descend close to the fence but you would then need a stepladder to clear it. In summer 2006 this site was cleared of vegetation, apparently as a prelude to future works on the site, but so far it remains accessible.

'''Time of day:''' Afternoon and evening.

'''Time of day:''' Noon to evening.

This spot is good for aircraft approaching runway 24. Aerial traffic is usually very light and a visit is only worth it a light aircraft is using this runway for touch-and-goes or if runway 14/32 is closed for some reason.  

'''Directions:''' This spot is not feasible for walkers. By car, follow the directions to the previous spot but go past the phallic sculpture. You will then descend a hill, at the bottom of which you will find another roundabout this time sporting a metal rocket-like construction. Turn left past a big garage for commercial vehicles and take a very bumpy road uphill. At the crest of the hill on your left you will come to a clearing next to the airport perimeter fence, where you can park. You will be practically under the flight path at this point but you can walk some distance further up the road, angle of the sun permitting, to shoot side-ons.

The occasional executive jet, civil or military transport or light plane may be parked here, though light aircraft tend to be parked far from the fence at a point where the ground dips, making them hard to photograph. Unless your subject is close to the fence you'll have to watch out for heat distortion and you may have to wait for the sun to start descending.

'''Directions:''' As above, but keep going past a [http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5719418 dilapidated BAC 1-11] in the grass by a gate until the road rises and levels out again. You can stop by the roadside long enough to take photos. Nightshots are also possible in this location, by either manouvering a tripod to fit the camera through the holes in the fence, or by climbing a wall across the road at the top end of Park 4.

'''Directions:''' Follow the road all the way past park 4. Watch for oncoming cars where the road narrows. Turn sharp left at the cross-roads and you will come to the runway threshold very shortly thereafter. You can park by the roadside for a while.

The most important airline at MLA is obviously Air Malta, which operates a [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?sort_order=reg&id=0937341,1070056,0919025,1067017,0843567,1006586,1036632,0986200,0698516,0997132,0779341,1046542,1062518,1056788 fleet] of Airbus A319s and A320s plus a few Boeing 737s (which are being phased out). However, it is not the only local operator. British Jet - a Maltese airline, name notwithstanding - operates a single [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?id=0971033,1011834 MD-90] on flights to various UK destinations. Another company, European 2000 Airlines, operates a pair of [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?id=1011695,0936582 Fairchild Metros] which can often be seen in Park 3 when not in use. There are also two flying schools which contribute to a fairly lively general aviation scene. Also worth mentioning is the Armed Forces of Malta Air Squadron, which operates a mix of [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?id=1027747,1024590,1021745,939008 helicopters and light aircraft.]

Scheduled airlines which fly to Malta throughout the year include British Airways, Alitalia, Lufthansa and Emirates. BA flights are operated by GB Airways flying in BA livery. Other regular visitors include Austrian Airlines, SAS, Sterling, Finnair and Tuninter. Regular charter airlines include My Travel, First Choice, Thomas Cook and Thomsonfly. Some of these are seasonal: in summer traffic increases considerably. As already mentioned, the best bet for the overseas visitor is to consult the flight schedules on the MLA website. Aircraft types used include various turboprops, A319s/320s, A321s, A330s (mostly Emirates), MD-80s, Boeing 737s, 757s and 767s, and (in summer) Tu-154s and B777s. Occasional visitors, particularly in summer, can include anything from military aircraft in transit to chartered 747s.