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Malta International Airport (view source)

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[[Image: CharlesPolidano_MLA.jpg |left|thumb|200 px|Air Malta A319 at MLA.]]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.
[[Image: CharlesPolidano_MLA.jpg |left|thumb|200 px|Air Malta A319 at MLA.]]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 Malta's only airport for fixed-wing aircraft. 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.  
After Malta's independence RAF Luqa was developed as a commercial airport and today it is Malta's only airport for fixed-wing aircraft. It has two runways. Runway 13/31, the longer one at 3.5 km, is normally used for commercial passenger traffic while runway 05/23 (length 2.4 km) is used mainly by light aircraft. The runways were formerly 14/32 and 06/24 but were retitled in June 2008 in keeping with the gradual shift of the earth's magnetic field.  


The volume of traffic at MLA is obviously limited by comparison to major airports in large countries. Photographers who are planning a trip to Malta should consult the flight schedules in the airport's official website, which are available two weeks in advance, to ensure that their visit to the airport coincides with the active periods during the day.  
The volume of traffic at MLA is obviously limited by comparison to major airports in large countries. Photographers who are planning a trip to Malta should consult the flight schedules in the airport's official website, which are available two weeks in advance, to ensure that their visit to the airport coincides with the active periods during the day.  
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[[Image: Cpol_P3260077_640.jpg |thumb|200 px|A320 on the ramp. Photo taken at 50mm.]]Offers an excellent view of park 9 (the main apron for passenger aircraft) but is behind glass and reflections are an obstacle. Moreover, much of the space available has been taken up by a children's play area that was installed in summer 2006 and opening hours have been restricted. However there is no other vantage-point suitable for photography within the airport, even airside, unless you have ramp access.
[[Image: Cpol_P3260077_640.jpg |thumb|200 px|A320 on the ramp. Photo taken at 50mm.]]Offers an excellent view of park 9 (the main apron for passenger aircraft) but is behind glass and reflections are an obstacle. Moreover, much of the space available has been taken up by a children's play area that was installed in summer 2006 and opening hours have been restricted. However there is no other vantage-point suitable for photography within the airport, even airside, unless you have ramp access.


'''Time of day:''' Morning only as most aircraft on the ramp will be backlit in the afternoon. With some creativity and a tripod, you can manage some nightshots, but only for aircraft parked facing the terminal on the central parking bays.
'''Time of day:''' Morning only as most aircraft on the ramp will be backlit in the afternoon. Nightshots are possible, but only for aircraft parked facing the terminal on the central parking bays.


'''Directions:''' The viewing gallery is located on the 3rd floor of the tower between the arrival and departure halls. If arriving by car, you can park in the airport car park. Alternatively you can take a bus to the terminal, and additional routes serve a bus stop on the way to Zurrieq just past the airport McDonald's restaurant. For route numbers see the section on facilities and transportation below.
'''Directions:''' The viewing gallery is located on the 3rd floor of the tower between the arrival and departure halls. If arriving by car, you can park in the airport car park. Alternatively you can take a bus to the terminal, and additional routes serve a bus stop on the way to Zurrieq just past the airport McDonald's restaurant. For route numbers see the section on facilities and transportation below.
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===Airport Perimeter Near Taxiway C===
===Airport Perimeter Near Taxiway C===


[[Image: Charlespolidano_yak-42.jpg |left|thumb|200 px|Yakovlev Yak-42 on taxiway C. Photo taken at 70mm.]][[Image: Charlespolidano_B738.jpg |thumb|200 px|Boeing 737-800 arrival on runway 32. Photo taken at 200mm.]]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. Runway 32 takeoffs can be photographed with a moderately long lens. There are cutouts for photographers at intervals in the fence so a stepladder is not necessary, though shooting takeoffs through the cutouts is difficult.
[[Image: Charlespolidano_yak-42.jpg |left|thumb|200 px|Yakovlev Yak-42 on taxiway C. Photo taken at 70mm.]][[Image: Charlespolidano_B738.jpg |thumb|200 px|Boeing 737-800 arrival on runway 32. Photo taken at 200mm.]]This spot is an excellent morning vantage-point for departing aircraft on their way to runway 31 or arrivals exiting runway 13 via taxiways C or D. Aircraft in the nearer parking bays in park 9 are also reachable. Runway 31 takeoffs can be photographed with a moderately long lens. There are cutouts for photographers at intervals in the fence so a stepladder is not necessary, though shooting takeoffs through the cutouts is difficult.


However, heat distortion can be a problem on hot days when shooting at any distance and to avoid it you may find yourself limited to shooting aircraft on taxiway C.
However, heat distortion can be a problem on hot days when shooting at any distance and to avoid it you may find yourself limited to shooting aircraft on taxiway C.
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===Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto===
===Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto===


[[Image: Charlespolidano_B733.jpg |thumb|200 px|Boeing 737-300 taking off at dawn (210mm).]]An elevated vantage-point for runway 32 landings and for take-offs in either direction. However, for runway 32 movements it is only just high enough to clear the airport perimeter fence and the street lights present an additional obstacle. If you have a step-ladder you would be better off shooting runway 32 take-offs and landings from next to the perimeter fence.  
[[Image: Charlespolidano_B733.jpg |thumb|200 px|Boeing 737-300 taking off at dawn (210mm).]]An elevated vantage-point for runway 31 landings and for take-offs in either direction. However, for runway 31 movements it is only just high enough to clear the airport perimeter fence and the street lights present an additional obstacle. If you have a step-ladder you would be better off shooting runway 31 take-offs and landings from next to the perimeter fence.  


'''Time of day:''' Morning only (up to around 9 am in winter).
'''Time of day:''' Morning only (up to around 9 am in winter).
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'''Directions:''' As with the previous spot, but keep following the road till you see a steep dirt track on the opposite side of the road which provides access to the chapel. Cross with care. The track is accessible by car, but be careful when re-entering the main road.
'''Directions:''' As with the previous spot, but keep following the road till you see a steep dirt track on the opposite side of the road which provides access to the chapel. Cross with care. The track is accessible by car, but be careful when re-entering the main road.


===Runway 32 Threshold===
===Runway 31 Threshold===


[[Image: Charlespolidano_B752.jpg |left|thumb|150 px|Boeing 757 over the perimeter road (40mm).]][[Image: Charlespolidano_L-1011.jpg |thumb|200 px|Lockheed TriStar on approach at sunset (250mm).]]This is an excellent location for photos of aircraft approaching runway 32. There is a wide roadside walkway and few obstacles for photography. The only drawback is that the road is beneath the level of the runway at this point so through-the-fence touchdown photos are not possible.
[[Image: Charlespolidano_B752.jpg |left|thumb|150 px|Boeing 757 over the perimeter road (40mm).]][[Image: Charlespolidano_L-1011.jpg |thumb|200 px|Lockheed TriStar on approach at sunset (250mm).]]This is an excellent location for photos of aircraft approaching runway 31 if you're content with in-the-sky shots (no terrain visible). There is a wide roadside walkway, though you have to cross to the other side of the road to get photos to avoid the streetlights. The road is beneath the level of the runway at this point so through-the-fence touchdown photos are not possible.


'''Time of day:''' You can shoot from either side of the flight path so this spot is good for the whole day, although photos will not turn out so well when the sun is at its highest. On hot days avoid shooting at long range (above say 200mm) because heat distortion will affect the photos in spite of the aircraft still being well above ground.
'''Time of day:''' You can shoot from either side of the flight path so this spot is good for the whole day, although photos will not turn out so well when the sun is at its highest. On hot days avoid shooting at long range (above say 200mm) because heat distortion will affect the photos in spite of the aircraft still being well above ground.
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===Perimeter Fence off Road to Safi===
===Perimeter Fence off Road to Safi===


Good for runway 32 touchdowns, although an old farmhouse on the right will restrict your view of incoming aircraft. Large building blocks have been deposited at this site, apparently as a prelude to future works, but so far it remains accessible.  
Good for runway 31 touchdowns, although an old farmhouse on the right will restrict your view of incoming aircraft. Large building blocks have been deposited at this site, apparently as a prelude to future works, but so far it remains accessible.  


'''Time of day:''' Afternoon and evening (from about 9 am onward in winter).
'''Time of day:''' Afternoon and evening (from about 9 am onward in winter).
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===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===
===The Spotters' Wall (Safi side)===


[[Image: CharlesPolidano_A300.jpg |thumb|200 px|Runway 14 departure (130mm).]][[Image: CharlesPolidano_B738_2.jpg |thumb|200 px|Runway 32 rotation (135mm).]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 14/32 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA. Its only drawback is its very popularity: it can get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement.
[[Image: CharlesPolidano_A300.jpg |thumb|200 px|Runway 13 departure (130mm).]][[Image: CharlesPolidano_B738_2.jpg |thumb|200 px|Runway 32 rotation (135mm).]]The Spotters' Wall, as it is known, is really an elevated viewing platform. Built by the Malta Aviation Society some years ago, it offers unobstructed views of runway 13/31 and it is the place from which to shoot takeoffs in either direction. With any luck the aircraft will rotate right in front of you. It is easily the best spot for photography at MLA. Its only drawback is its very popularity: it can get crowded if there is a particularly unusual movement.


Across the road from here lies the Medavia/NCA aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft cross the road to the complex and back via a gate in the airport perimeter just beyond the viewing platform, with road traffic being temporarily halted by barriers. Aircraft crossings are infrequent, however, and you would need to be very lucky to witness one.  
Across the road from here lies the Medavia/NCA aircraft maintenance complex. Aircraft cross the road to the complex and back via a gate in the airport perimeter just beyond the viewing platform, with road traffic being temporarily halted by barriers. Aircraft crossings are infrequent, however, and you would need to be very lucky to witness one.  
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{{anetlink|1024885}} (aircraft crossing the road - photo taken from the Spotters' Wall)
{{anetlink|1024885}} (aircraft crossing the road - photo taken from the Spotters' Wall)


===Runway 24 Threshold===
===Runway 23 Threshold===


This spot is good for aircraft approaching runway 24. Aerial traffic is usually very light and a visit is only worth it if a movement is expected or if runway 14/32 is closed for some reason.  
This spot is good for aircraft approaching runway 23. Aerial traffic is usually very light and a visit is only worth it if a movement is expected or if runway 13/31 is closed for some reason.  


'''Time of day:''' All day since you can shoot from either side of the flight path.
'''Time of day:''' All day since you can shoot from either side of the flight path.
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'''Directions:''' This location is not a feasible proposition for walkers. If driving, you need to make your way towards the airport until you reach the outskirts of Luqa. Ignore the signs directing you left to the airport passenger terminal and keep following the road past the Armed Forces of Malta barracks and the airport freight terminal, until you come to a roundabout with a colourful phallic sculpture (honest!) at its centre. You can park next to the shops on the opposite side of the road.
'''Directions:''' This location is not a feasible proposition for walkers. If driving, you need to make your way towards the airport until you reach the outskirts of Luqa. Ignore the signs directing you left to the airport passenger terminal and keep following the road past the Armed Forces of Malta barracks and the airport freight terminal, until you come to a roundabout with a colourful phallic sculpture (honest!) at its centre. You can park next to the shops on the opposite side of the road.


===Runway 14 Threshold===
===Runway 13 Threshold===


[[Image: Charlespolidano_ATR-42.jpg |left|thumb|200 px|ATR-42 approaching runway 14 (150mm).]][[Image: Charlespolidano_Gulfstream.jpg |thumb|200 px|Gulfstream V in park 3 (150mm).]]This is a good spot for aircraft on approach to runway 14. Unlike runway 32 the road here is at the same level as the runway, but the runway threshold is impossibly far from the perimeter fence. From here you can also see park 3 where the occasional executive jet, light plane or small turboprop may be parked. Beware of heat distortion on hot days however.  
[[Image: Charlespolidano_ATR-42.jpg |left|thumb|200 px|ATR-42 approaching runway 13 (150mm).]][[Image: Charlespolidano_Gulfstream.jpg |thumb|200 px|Gulfstream V in park 3 (150mm).]]This is a good spot for aircraft on approach to runway 13. Unlike runway 31 the road here is at the same level as the runway, but the runway threshold is impossibly far from the perimeter fence. From here you can also see park 3 where the occasional executive jet, light plane or small turboprop may be parked. Beware of heat distortion on hot days however.  


'''Time of day:''' All day for runway 14 approaches; late afternoon and evening for park 3.
'''Time of day:''' The runway 13 approach is viable for morning photography if you are prepared to take head-on shots from directly beneath the flight path, but this location really comes into its own in the afternoon. For aircraft in park 3 you need to wait for the late afternoon and evening.


'''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 here 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.
'''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 here 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 further up the road, angle of the sun permitting, to shoot side-ons.


===Park 4===
===Park 4===
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'''Time of day:''' Late afternoons, evenings and nights.
'''Time of day:''' Late afternoons, evenings and nights.


'''Directions:''' As above, but continue on the road as it winds along the airport perimeter fence. You will see a large building site behind the fence where a new Lufthansa Technik hangar is being built, following which the road rises briefly and levels out again. At this point you have reached park 4.  
'''Directions:''' As above, but continue on the road as it winds along the airport perimeter fence. You will pass by the huge new Lufthansa Technik maintenance facility which is being built inside the airport grounds, following which the road rises briefly and levels out again. At this point you have reached park 4.  
{{jplink|5876060}} (Il-76 nightshot - 110mm)
{{jplink|5876060}} (Il-76 nightshot - 110mm)


===Runway 06 Threshold===
===Runway 05 Threshold===


[[Image: Charlespolidano_P92.jpg |thumb|200 px|Tecnam P92 approaching runway 06 (175mm).]]Good for approaches to runway 06. As regards traffic the same applies to this spot as to the runway 24 threshold.
[[Image: Charlespolidano_P92.jpg |thumb|200 px|Tecnam P92 approaching runway 05 (175mm).]]Good for approaches to runway 05. As regards traffic the same applies to this spot as to the runway 23 threshold.


'''Time of day:''' Virtually all day.
'''Time of day:''' Virtually all day.
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==Regular Traffic==
==Regular Traffic==


The most important airline at MLA is obviously [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Air+Malta Air Malta,] which operates a  fleet of Airbus A319s and A320s. There are two flying schools which contribute to a fairly lively general aviation scene. Also based at MLA is the [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Malta+-+Air+Force Air Wing] of the Armed Forces of Malta, which operates a mix of helicopters and light aircraft.  
The most important operator at MLA is obviously [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Air+Malta Air Malta,] which operates a  fleet of Airbus A319s and A320s. Two other local airlines, BritishJet and European 2000 Airlines, have ceased operations. There are two flying schools which contribute to a fairly lively general aviation scene. Also based at MLA is the [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Malta+-+Air+Force Air Wing] of the Armed Forces of Malta, which operates Alouette III helicopters and Bulldog light aircraft.  


MLA hosts two maintenance and repair facilities. The Lufthansa Technik Malta plant, located in the airport grounds, carries out C-checks on Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies and will also undertake D-checks on Airbus widebodies as from October 2008 in a large new hangar which is being built for the purpose. Next to the airport on the Safi side (across the road from the Spotters' Wall), the Medavia/NCA complex carries out maintenance work on smaller aircraft. [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Medavia Medavia] operates its own small fleet of turboprops, mostly on ferry flights to and from North Africa.
MLA hosts two maintenance and repair facilities. The Lufthansa Technik Malta plant, located in the airport grounds, carries out C-checks on Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies and will also undertake D-checks on Airbus widebodies as from October 2008 in a large new facility which is being built for the purpose. Next to the airport on the Safi side (across the road from the Spotters' Wall), the Medavia/NCA complex carries out maintenance work on smaller aircraft. [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?airlinesearch=Medavia Medavia] operates its own small fleet of turboprops, mostly on ferry flights to and from North Africa.
   
   
Other airlines which fly to Malta throughout the year include British Airways, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair, Germanwings, Sevenair, Libyan Airlines, Thomas Cook, Thomsonfly, and Easyjet.  
Other airlines which fly to Malta throughout the year include British Airways, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ryanair, Germanwings, Sevenair, Libyan Airlines, Thomas Cook, Thomsonfly and Easyjet (ex-GB Airways).  


In summer traffic increases considerably. Airlines which operate seasonal Malta routes constitute an ever-varying collection but normally include Austrian Airlines/Lauda, SAS, Sterling, Finnair, Spanair, Atlant-Soyuz and First Choice. As already mentioned, the best bet for the overseas visitor is to consult the flight schedules on the MLA website. Aircraft types used include Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies, CRJs, ERJ-145s, ATR turboprops, and Boeing 777s (Emirates). Occasional visitors, particularly in summer, can include anything from military aircraft in transit to chartered 747s.
In summer traffic increases considerably. Airlines which operate seasonal Malta routes constitute an ever-varying collection but normally include Austrian Airlines/Lauda, SAS, Sterling, Finnair, Spanair, Atlant-Soyuz and First Choice. As already mentioned, the best bet for the overseas visitor is to consult the flight schedules on the MLA website. Aircraft types used include Airbus and Boeing narrowbodies, CRJs, ERJ-145s, ATR turboprops, and Boeing 777s (Emirates). Occasional visitors, particularly in summer, can include anything from military aircraft in transit to chartered 747s.
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