⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Malta International Airport

Valletta, Luqa (Malta)
IATA: MLA ICAO: LMML
Longest Active Runway
10,991 ft
3,350 meters
Field Elevation
300 ft
91 m MSL
Runway Inventory
2 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
35.8459°, 14.4915°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#383 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#611 of 7558
Top 8.1% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Malta)
#1 in MT
#1 of 2 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+9.9%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Malta International Airport's longest active runway measures 10,991 ft (3,350 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #383. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #611 worldwide (Top 8.1%) and #1 nationally in Malta.
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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Malta International Airport (MLA)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Malta International Airport (Luqa) is the sovereign aviation lifeline of the Maltese archipelago. The primary runway 13/31 measures 11,627 ft, easily accommodating heavy widebodies, VIP state transports, and European tourism charter jets. Positioned on an elevated limestone plateau 300 ft above the sea, MLA offers modern Category II instrument approaches and extensive aircraft maintenance and overhaul (MRO) facilities.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Two intersecting perpendicular runways: Runway 13/31 (11,627 ft / 3,544 m) and Runway 05/23 (7,798 ft / 2,377 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Originated as RAF Luqa in the 1920s, serving as a heroic island fortress in WWII. Transferred to civil control in 1977; opened the current modern passenger terminal in 1992.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Sole airport serving the Republic of Malta, located centrally in the Mediterranean 90 NM south of Sicily (CTA).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Subject to violent seasonal Mediterranean winds (the Gregale from the northeast and the Sirocco from the south), managed through its perpendicular runway configuration.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Malta National Civil Aviation Authority · State Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) & ICAO Annex 14 Standards
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

Malta International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 300 ft (91 m MSL) in Valletta. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Sole airport serving the Republic of Malta, located centrally in the Mediterranean 90 NM south of Sicily (CTA). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 10,991 ft (3,350 m)

Malta International Airport's active flight strips comprise 13/31 (10,991 ft), 05/23 (7,785 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,991 ft (3,350 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
13/31 10,991 ft (3350m) 190 ft (58m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active
05/23 7,785 ft (2373m) 148 ft (45m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/mla.json ↗