Malta International Airport (MLA), sometimes called Luqa Airport, is Malta’s main airport. If you are travelling with a disability, reduced mobility or an autistic family member, knowing what facilities to expect can make the journey easier. This guide covers accessible toilets, moving around the terminal, assistance with boarding, sensory considerations and onward transport.
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For a detailed explanation of how to arrange help, read my separate guide to special assistance at Malta International Airport. This article focuses on the facilities you may need while you are there.
Accessibility Overview at Malta International Airport
Malta Airport has a single passenger terminal, with lifts, ramps and step-free routes to help passengers move between areas. Accessible toilets and designated assistance services are available. Even in a relatively compact airport, queues, crowds and the distance to a gate can be tiring, so plan around your own mobility and sensory needs.
Check the airport’s official special assistance information before travelling, particularly if you need a specific route, equipment or transfer arrangement.
Special Assistance and Wheelchair Support
Passengers who need support with walking, wheelchair use, communication or navigating the airport can request special assistance. Tell your airline or travel agent what you need, preferably at least 48 hours before departure. You can also make an assistance booking via the PRM Assist app. Assistance can cover your journey through check-in, security and boarding, as well as support after landing.
When making a request, explain what you can and cannot manage independently. For example, tell the airline whether you can use stairs, walk short distances, transfer into an aircraft seat or need to remain in your own wheelchair for as long as possible. If you use a powered wheelchair, provide the airline with its dimensions, weight and battery information.
Our guide to getting help at the airport explains the process. Assistance codes such as WCHR, WCHS and WCHC describe different mobility needs; check the airline disability codes guide to understand them.
Special Assistance Call Points at Malta Airport
If you need to contact the assistance team when you reach Malta Airport for a departure, assistance call points are available at several locations around the terminal and car parks:
- Near the transport drop-off area outside the Check-in Hall.
- Inside the tunnel on Level -1, where you enter the main terminal building from the main car park.
- Midway along the Schengen Arrivals Corridor.
- In the Baggage Reclaim Hall, next to Belt 5.
- In the Level 0 foyer of the Park East multi-storey car park.
- Within the staircases of the Park East building.
You can also ask for help at the Customer Services Information Desk in the Check-in Hall, your airline’s check-in counter or the Customer Services Information Desk at the departure gates.
Requesting Assistance When You Arrive
If you need special assistance after landing at Malta Airport, tell a member of the cabin crew. They can contact the airport team to arrange support.
Explain the practical help you need, including any mobility, communication or sensory requirements, so the team understands how best to assist you.
Accessible Toilets and Changing Facilities
Accessible toilets are provided within Malta Airport’s passenger terminal. If you need a particular cubicle layout, transfer space, adult-sized changing bench or hoist, do not assume that an ordinary accessible toilet will meet those needs. Ask the airport to confirm the exact facilities and their locations before your visit.
For families who need more time with toileting, it is worth finding the nearest accessible toilet before joining a security queue or moving towards the departure gate. Keep essential changing supplies in your hand luggage in case checked bags are unavailable.
Moving Around the Terminal
Lifts and ramps help passengers move between terminal areas without relying on stairs. If you have limited stamina, request assistance rather than assuming the route from check-in to your gate will be manageable. Gate assignments and boarding arrangements can change.
Wheelchair users should confirm whether assistance staff will meet them at a designated point, at check-in or elsewhere. Ask what happens if you arrive by taxi or public transport and cannot reach the assistance point independently.
For getting to the airport, set up Google Maps accessibility feature so that you are taken via the most accessible routes.
Autism, Hidden Disabilities and Sensory Needs
Busy check-in areas, announcements, unfamiliar security procedures and crowded gates can be difficult for autistic travellers and people with sensory sensitivities. You can request assistance for a non-visible disability; wheelchair use is not a requirement.
Malta Airport has information about autism support, including an airport familiarisation initiative. Read our guides to autism support at Malta Airport and Malta Airport familiarisation visits to find out what may help you prepare.
If you or your child needs additional communication support, explain this when booking assistance. Ask your airline whether the DPNA assistance code is appropriate. Bring ear defenders, familiar activities, visual schedules or other aids that work for your family. Do not rely on a dedicated sensory room or guaranteed quiet waiting area without checking directly with the airport.
The Sunflower Lanyard at Malta Airport
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is an optional way to indicate that you have a non-visible disability and may need extra time, understanding or support. For autistic travellers, it can help communicate that assistance may be needed without having to explain a diagnosis immediately.
You can bring your existing lanyard when travelling through Malta Airport. However, Malta Airport uses the Journey Facilitation Programme as it’s primary service for recognising hidden disabilities. Staff at Malta Airport may, however, still recognise the Sunflower Lanyard and offer support to passangers wearing one. I would recommend that you fill in the form at the bottom of the Journey Facilitation Programme page of the Malta Airport website to alert them of your upcoming visit.
Wearing a lanyard does not replace requesting special assistance. Explain your practical needs to your airline and airport staff, including any difficulties with queues, communication or sensory overload, and confirm what support can be arranged.
Security Screening and Boarding
Security screening is required for all passengers, including those receiving assistance. Tell staff in advance if you cannot stand unaided, have difficulty following spoken instructions or need a little extra time. Ask how medical devices, mobility aids and essential liquids will be screened.
Depending on the aircraft stand, boarding may involve an air bridge or travel to the aircraft followed by steps. If you cannot use aircraft steps, make sure the airline has recorded this before you travel so an appropriate boarding arrangement can be planned. If you need help transferring to your seat, explain that as part of your assistance booking.
Support for Travellers With Visual or Hearing Impairments
If you need guiding assistance, help reading airport information or an alternative to spoken announcements, describe this to your airline when requesting support. Confirm where staff will meet you and how changes to your gate or boarding time will be communicated. Travellers using an assistance dog should also check airline requirements and applicable animal-entry rules well before departure.
Accessible Parking and Drop-Off
If you are driving to the airport, check the current arrangements for accessible parking, drop-off points and routes into the terminal. Malta Airport website states that there is disabled parking available in their car parks but there was no more specific details about where. Do not assume a UK Blue Badge automatically gives you the same concessions abroad. Our guide to using a UK Blue Badge in Europe explains what to check before travelling.
For parking elsewhere in Malta you can use the Malta Blue Parking website to find blue badge spaces.
When arranging a taxi or private transfer, tell the operator about wheelchairs, mobility scooters, child seats or luggage requirements. If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, book one specifically rather than relying on an ordinary taxi being suitable.
Accessible Transport From Malta Airport
Transport choices from Malta Airport include buses, taxis and pre-booked transfers. The most suitable option depends on whether you can manage steps, stand while travelling, fold a wheelchair or tolerate crowded vehicles. Accessibility can vary by vehicle and service, so confirm the details for your journey.
For a wider overview, read my guide to accessible transport in Malta, including points to consider when planning onward travel.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
- Book special assistance through your airline as early as possible, ideally at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Describe your actual needs, including transfers, stairs, communication and sensory support.
- Check whether any specialist toilet or changing equipment you need is available.
- Ask where to report for assistance when you arrive at the airport.
- Keep essential medication, communication aids and changing supplies in your hand luggage.
- Confirm boarding arrangements if you cannot use aircraft steps.
- Allow time for breaks and changes to your usual routine.
Disabled Facilities at Malta Airport: FAQs
Does Malta Airport have accessible toilets?
Yes. Accessible toilets are available in the terminal. Contact the airport for the nearest location and to confirm whether a particular toilet meets your transfer or changing requirements.
How do I book wheelchair assistance at Malta Airport?
Request it through your airline or travel agent, ideally at least 48 hours before departure. Explain whether you can walk short distances, use stairs and transfer to your aircraft seat.
Can autistic passengers request airport assistance?
Yes. Assistance is not limited to visible disabilities. Explain the support you need and ask your airline about the appropriate assistance code. Malta Airport also has information about autism support and familiarisation visits.
Is there a Changing Places toilet or sensory room?
This guide cannot confirm that Malta Airport provides a fully equipped Changing Places toilet or a dedicated sensory room. If either facility is essential, ask the airport directly before travelling.
What if I cannot climb steps to the aircraft?
Tell your airline when booking assistance. Aircraft boarding arrangements vary, and passengers who cannot use stairs need an appropriate accessible boarding plan.
Knowing which disabled facilities are available at Malta Airport can help you prepare for a journey that suits your family’s needs. Arranging any required assistance in advance and allowing enough time for airport procedures can help reduce uncertainty on the day.
For families travelling with autistic children, familiar comfort items, clear explanations and time for breaks can also make a difference. We hope our guide helps you feel more prepared, know what to check before travelling and feel confident asking for the support you need.
Continue Planning Your Trip to Malta With Autistic Children:
- Begin with learning how to plan your visit to Malta
- Start with Valletta if you want a structured, walkable base
- Learn about Malta with kids (everything you need to know about Malta as an island)
- Use this transport guide to reduce daily stress
- Explore autism-friendly spaces before choosing activities
- Check practical guides for bringing medication to Malta
For a full list of our guides for visiting Malta with autistic children check out our Malta archives.
Continue Planning Your Europe Travel Itinerary With Children
- Start with planning your overall Europe family trip, including flights, transport, pacing and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Looking for an easier first-time Europe destination? Consider visiting Denmark with kids for organised cities, reliable transport and family-friendly attractions
- Prefer beaches and slower-paced travel? Find out more about Greece with children for island stays, outdoor dining and flexible family days out
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Paris with autistic children, including transport, attractions and sensory considerations
- Want scenic train journeys and nature? Learn more about Switzerland with autistic children for mountain views, calm towns and predictable travel routines
- Interested in history, castles and cows? Learn more about visiting Scotland with kids
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With Our Guides
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