Travelling through Malta International Airport can feel overwhelming, especially if you or your child has additional needs. The good news is that the airport offers a well-organised special assistance service designed to support passengers with both visible and hidden disabilities, including autism, anxiety, sensory sensitivities and mobility needs. Here is everything you need to know to plan your journey with confidence.
What is special assistance at Malta International Airport?
Special assistance at Malta Airport is a free service that helps passengers who may need extra support during their journey. This can include help with navigating the airport, moving through security, boarding the aircraft or collecting luggage on arrival.
The service is designed to make the airport experience smoother, less stressful and more predictable, which is especially important for families travelling with autistic children or anyone who struggles with busy, unfamiliar environments.
Who can use special assistance?
You do not need a physical disability to request assistance. The service is available to anyone who may need extra help, including:
- Passengers with reduced mobility
- Wheelchair users
- People with visual or hearing impairments
- Passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism, ADHD or anxiety
- Families travelling with children who need additional support
If you are unsure whether you qualify, the answer is simple: if the airport environment feels difficult to manage alone, you can request assistance.
How to request special assistance
The most important step is requesting assistance in advance.
You should request special assistance at least 48 hours before your flight. This is usually done when booking your flight or afterwards by contacting your airline or travel agent.
Airlines and airports use codes to label things like airports, disabilities, meals… and they use standard assistance codes to describe your needs. Some common ones include:
WCHR – assistance for long distances but able to walk short distances and stairs
WCHS – assistance needed for stairs
WCHC – full assistance required, including to and from the aircraft seat
DPNA – for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities such as autism
I have a guide which lists all of the disability codes used by airlines and airports, you can even download and print it.
If you are travelling with a hidden disability, asking for the DPNA code can help ensure staff understand that you may need more time, clearer communication or a quieter approach.
What to expect at the airport
When you arrive at Malta Airport, head to the special assistance desk or a designated help point. It is a good idea to arrive earlier than usual to allow time for the process.
Once you check in with the assistance team, a member of staff will support you through each stage of the airport. This may include:
- Help with check-in and bag drop
- Guidance through security
- Access to quieter waiting areas where available
- Support getting to the gate
- Priority boarding when appropriate
The experience is generally calm and structured, which can make a big difference for children who struggle with unpredictability.
Hidden disabilities support
Malta Airport recognises that not all disabilities are visible.
Passengers with hidden disabilities can request assistance just like anyone else. While Malta does not widely use the Sunflower Lanyard scheme in the same way as some UK airports, staff are trained to provide support if you have requested it in advance.
If your child benefits from having something visible to indicate their needs, you can still bring your own lanyard or visual aids.
Malta Airport also offers a program where people can visit the airport before they actually travel to run through all of the steps they need to do when they travel. It is a familiarisation visit and I have a guide about this familiarisation service at Malta Airport that explains more about it.
Security and boarding
Security can be one of the most stressful parts of the airport experience, but special assistance can make it more manageable.
You may be guided through a quieter lane or given extra time to move through screening at your own pace. Staff can explain each step clearly, which is helpful for children who need to understand what is happening.
When it comes to boarding, you will usually be invited to board early. This allows you to settle into your seats before the aircraft becomes busy and noisy.
Arrivals and baggage collection
On arrival, assistance continues.
A staff member will meet you at the aircraft or gate and guide you through passport control, baggage reclaim and arrivals. If you need help collecting luggage or navigating the airport, this will be provided.
If you are continuing your journey with a transfer or taxi, staff can also help ensure a smooth handover.
Accessibility facilities at Malta Airport
Malta Airport is modern and relatively compact, which makes it easier to navigate compared to larger international hubs.
Facilities include:
- Accessible toilets throughout the terminal
- Step-free access across the airport
- Lifts and ramps where needed
- Reserved seating areas
- Dedicated assistance staff
The smaller size of the airport can actually be a big advantage for families, as distances are shorter and the environment is generally less overwhelming.
Tips for using special assistance at Malta Airport
- Always request assistance in advance, ideally at least 48 hours before your flight
- Arrive early to allow time for check-in and support
- Bring any documentation you feel helpful, but you should not be required to prove your disability
- Explain your needs clearly when booking so the right support is arranged
- Remember that assistance is free and there to be used
Special assistance at Malta Airport FAQ
How can I request wheelchair assistance?
Wheelchair assistance at Malta International Airport should be requested through your airline or travel agent, ideally at least 48 hours before your flight. You can usually add this when booking your ticket or by contacting the airline afterwards. The correct assistance code will be added to your booking depending on the level of support you need, such as help walking long distances, support on stairs or full assistance from check-in to your aircraft seat. There are multiple wheelchair codes, check this guide for the one that works best for your situation.
Can I get airport assistance with my own wheelchair?
Yes, you can travel with your own wheelchair and still use airport assistance. When booking support, tell your airline whether you are bringing a manual or powered wheelchair and provide the dimensions, weight and battery type if needed. Staff at Malta International Airport can assist you through the terminal and help arrange safe loading of your wheelchair for the flight.
Does Malta Airport have air bridges or an ambulift?
Malta Airport uses both air bridges and remote stands depending on the flight and aircraft position. If your aircraft is parked away from the terminal and boarding by stairs would be difficult, special assistance teams can use an ambulift to help passengers board safely. This should be arranged in advance through your airline as part of your assistance request.
I am immobile and cannot walk. What assistance can I have?
If you are unable to walk at all, you can request full special assistance using the WCHC assistance code. This includes help from check-in through security, boarding, transfer to your aircraft seat and support again on arrival. Staff will assist with wheelchairs and, where needed, ambulift access to the aircraft. This service is free but should be booked in advance.
Do you offer special assistance for families of children with autism?
Yes, families travelling with autistic children can request special assistance at Malta International Airport. Support may include help moving through busy areas, extra time at security, priority boarding and clearer communication from staff. If your child has a hidden disability, asking your airline to add the DPNA code to the booking can help airport staff understand the support needed.
Which company provides special assistance at Malta Airport?
Special assistance at Malta International Airport is coordinated by the airport’s official assistance service team working with airlines and ground handling staff. Passengers do not usually book directly with a separate company, as requests are made through the airline, who then arrange the required airport support on your behalf.
Helpful resources:
Malta International Airport provides information about accessibility and assistance on its official website. Your airline is also a key point of contact, as they arrange the service on your behalf.
If you are travelling regularly, apps like PRM Assist can help you manage assistance requests across different airports.
If you are planning a trip to Malta, my Malta with autistic kids guide is a great place to start. Here you’ll find links out to more of my Malta guides like Valletta with kids, accessible transport in Malta, autism-friendly spaces in Malta and Gozo and more.