Although leaving the splendour of Malta is never the preferred option, there comes a time when all good things Maltese come to an end, and departure day arrives.  In consideration of a sentiment no doubt shared among the great majority of visitors to this Mediterranean jewel, Malta makes the departure process as painless as possible.

First of all, the airport is located relatively close to Valletta, the Three Cities, Sliema, and St Julian’s, which are significant areas for hotel accommodation in the country.  Malta International Airport, like the country it serves, is a small facility that delivers big on service and convenience.  For one thing, there are no kilometre-long treks from check-in to gate here as can be found at so many large airports these days.  Before arriving at the gate, there is the check-in or baggage drop staffed by the friendly professionals of KM Malta Airlines, the country’s national carrier that has established itself as one of Europe’s leading small airlines.

Boarding pass in hand, the passenger proceeds through one of the automated gates with a swipe of a barcode, then smiles at the polite security staff, who indicate with courtesy where to proceed to the carry-on x-ray machines.  Once past that step, the obligatory walk through the duty-free shop is met here not with begrudging resignation as in huge airports, but rather with aroused curiosity.  The duty-free shop at MLA is full of unique Maltese products that make appealing souvenirs for loved ones or oneself.  From carob bars to Maltese wines, food and wine connoisseurs will be especially pleased with the selections available at uninflated prices.

Passengers at the gate for KM Malta flights seem to understand that the plane will not leave without them, a fact often unappreciated by travellers who crowd around the gate entrance.  The boarding process is therefore conducted in a pleasant, orderly fashion.  Once on board, the extra-large overhead bins easily accommodate rollerboards, and the seats accommodate passengers with similar ease.  KM Malta’s Business Class is configured in a 3-3 layout, with the middle seat always left empty in this forward cabin, affording extra leg and elbow room for window and aisle passengers.  Despite the relatively short distances flown within its European network, KM Malta nevertheless serves excellent meals to its Business Class passengers, highlighting Maltese cuisine on the plates and stylish design in presentation.  The flight departed on time and arrived only slightly late due to inclement weather at the destination.  It was quite a shock to leave the sunny Mediterranean behind, to be confronted with heavy cloud cover and much cooler temperatures.  But Prague is Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the weather has little bearing on its allure.  In fact, the drizzle and cloudy weather cast a somewhat mysterious glow over the city reminiscent of the film The Unbearable Lightness Of Being, based on the book by Czech author Milan Kundera, one of many Czech writers who have become well known throughout the world.

 

by Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur – (c) 2025

Read Time: 2 minutes.

 

About the Writer

Robert La Bua is a luxury travel columnist, writer, and television guest renowned for his discerning eye and polished perspective on the finer things in life.

For over 14 years, he has contributed to Destinations of the World News, the United Arab Emirates’ leading luxury travel magazine, where his byline is synonymous with elegance, insight, and excellence.

As the writer of the Global Travel Connoisseur column, Robert reports on exceptional destinations, premium flights, five-star hotels, and extraordinary experiences tailored for the most affluent of travellers. With an unerring eye for quality and a truly global perspective, his work continues to inspire those who believe travel should always be an occasion.

 

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