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January 13, 2015Malta Luqa Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on November 21, 2023
Malta – Europe’s fifth smallest state as measured by total size and counting a very negligible population of 450,000 people but in terms of airport, Malta’s Luqa Airport really muscles in with the ‘Big Ones’ in Europe! Exotic visitors sweetens your stay at Malta! Beside the normal traffic, there will sometimes come a great surprise along, visiting Malta for their famous maintenance services.
Malta Airport was originally used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Luqa RAF Station was an important airfield during the colonial era, better known as the ‘Malta Siege’. After Malta has become independent, the Royal Air Force retrenched day by day and the Maltese Islands spread their wings, the airport underwent a huge refurbishment, marking a fresh start of the Maltese aviation history. Few years prior to the refurbishment in 1992, Malta’s first own airline was founded named Air Malta. The rather small airline from the small Islands is MLA’s most important carrier ever since that. Emirates is Malta’s only long distance service connecting the islands with the world via Dubai. Ryanair has a base at MLA linking Europe with daily flights mainly to the UK, Italy and Scandinavia. During summer, Malta is busiest as many vacationers spend their holidays there.
Listening to ATC is allowed here, so we attached the frequencies: Tower: 135.100 — Ground: 121.600 — Approach: 128.150
Written by Maria Chiara Pace, Matthew Sammut and Jeremy Denton. Last change: October 2023 – general update by Stefan Bratner
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 13/31 | 3.544m (11,627ft) |
| 05/23 | 2.377m (7,799ft) |
| Terminals | One for all flights |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | There is no need for it except a few spots. But you can catch all movements without one. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is definitely helpful as you are flexible and it also has shadow. There is a public transport system to almost all photo spots, but buses do not drive that frequent: for a detailed timetable visit the Malta Public Transport website. However, locals also use Uber or Bolt to get around the airport for spotting – that is a good alternative for renting a car. By car please note that cars drive on the left hand side of the road on every Maltese Islands! |
| Restrooms | Available at all publicly accessible buildings like restaurants or inside the terminal building |
| Drinks/Food | Inside the airport terminal, there is ‘The Food Court’ where one can find various food chain outlets such as Burger King, KFC, Dr. Juice as well as Costa Coffee. Next to the terminal building, there is SkyParks Business Centre, where one can find a variety of restaurants which offer good quality food like Talbot & Bons, Vecchia Napoli and Zen-Sushi, behind it there is also a McDonald’s outlet. In addition, there are two LIDL supermarkets one in Ħal-Safi and another in Ħal-Luqa. Also, small grocery shops and food shops can be found in the nearby villages and inside the airport terminal. |
| Hotels | These are very limited in the airport vicinities, however, one can find many hotels of different classes in every part of the island. Close to the airport, one can find some boutique hotels or guesthouses in nearby villages like Ħal-Kirkop, Gudja, Tarxien, which are very close to the airport. |
| Season | Malta is busiest during summer seasons as many vacationers spend their holidays here. During the summer season, heat haze can be a problem as temperatures up to 35°C are expected. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 13/31 | Depends on the wind direction. Heavies usually take-off from this runway as this one provides a longer take-off roll. Not in use for landings, when northeasterlies are blowing strong. |
| 05/23 | Is restricted to Code C aircraft, wingspan 24m up to 36m, e.g. A320/B737. Anything larger has to use RWY 31/13, no matter what’s the wind direction. When the southwesterly winds are blowing strong, which happens sometimes, runway 23 will be used for landings.
Sometimes you do see cargo planes or business jets using this runway as they would need to backtrack the whole 13/31 runway during 31 usage: that’s why they send these planes onto 05/23 to not block the whole runway. |
Observation Deck - Apron and runway view
| WHERE | There is a visitor terrace in the third floor of the airports terminal offering a marvellous view onto the airports airfield. Take the lift located next to the food court on the ground floor up to the third floor: there is an alley with an airport model and some restrooms leading you to the terrace. |
| WHAT | View onto all airfield operations as well as the runway is provided. |
| TIME | On cloudy days or in the mornings, until approximately 12:00 and late afternoons after 15:00 for parked aircraft on outer stands. |
| MISC. | Please note that the view from this visitor terrace is glazed but the glass is white and clear – no color casts. You can also hold the camera over the glass (works well if you are >1.80m). If there are not so many visitors, you may also stand on the concrete blocks to clear the view. There is a tendency that in the morning the glass would be covered with condensation. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-500mm |
Photos of the terrace:
Along Triq Hal Far street - Ramp and runway 31
| WHERE | Along Triq Hal Far street, at 5 minutes walk from terminal, you’ll walk along the fence. There are officials holes in the fence at this place |
| WHAT | You may take pictures of airplaines on the ramp, taxi to the gates, taxi from the gates to runway 31 and all movements runway 31. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from sunrise till 11AM for the runway and till about 2PM but only for airplanes on the taxiway. |
| MISC. | Park your car at the Airport’s parking. If you join by bus stop at Airport’s terminal. Then walk direction the parking and join the external street. You’ll arrive at the spotting place in 5 minutes. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Taxi : 737 full at 60mm Runway : 737 full at 150mm |
Samples of airplanes on the taxiway
Samples of activity runway 31
Spotters Wall - main apron, all 13/31 movements
| WHERE | The Spotters Wall offers a good view of the main Apron and Airport’s Runway (RWY31/13). Easily recognisable, as there is a Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation (reg: ‘5T-TAF’) engine. Co-ordinates as follows: 35°50’40.7″N 14°29’26.8″E. When coming from the airport terminal building take the 1st exit on the left and drive through the tunnel underneath the runway which connects Ħal-Luqa and Ħal-Kirkop. After the tunnel take the 1st exit on the left onto ‘Triq L-Industrija’ keep going straight and the Spotters Wall will appear on the left side approximately 400m.
It can be accessed by bus with the following bus options/locations
By walk from the Airport Terminal Building, walk towards SkyParks Building/McDonald’s there is a main road and, on the left, there is a bus stop called ‘Cintra’. Walk straight ahead through the tunnel underneath the runway. After the tunnel take the 1st exit on the left onto ‘Triq L-Industrija’ keep going straight and the Spotters Wall will appear on the left side. Approximately 20mins (1.5Km). |
| WHAT | Almost all operations on the main apron, arriving and departing traffic on Runway 13/31 whichever is in use. For aircraft movement on Lower Safi Aviation Park and Taxiway G (known to be used by the Bell 412EP ‘A7-HBC’) walk down the road for one minute. Pictures needs to be made through the mesh or from a small wall which one can climb up. |
| TIME | Winter from 10am till sunset and in Summer from noon till sunset. (In Summer it suffers from a lot of heat haze). Night shots can be photographed as well but choose an appropriate angle. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby so bringing food and water (especially in Summer) is a must. There are coloured benches were one can sit and relax. In Ħal-Safi, one can find LIDL supermarket (2min drive) where you can buy some snacks and groceries or from the Airport Terminal shops. Waste can be disposed directly on site as bins are provided. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 55-300mm |
Upper Safi Aviation Park - Apron
| WHERE | There is a gate at Safi Aviation Park that enables you to photograph parked aircraft in front the maintenance hangars. From the ‘Spotters Wall’ , follow the street course (‘Triq Carmelo Caruana’), there is an exit on the left slightly before the small roundabout with a mast. You will see the gate as there is a big parking area. |
| WHAT | Parked aircraft on Upper Safi Aviation Park, in front of SR Technics and Medavia hangars. |
| TIME | Winter from 07.30am till 16.00 and in Summer from 13.00 till sunset. |
| MISC. | Security checks this area regularly. Behave correctly. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm Boeing 727 at 22mm |
Aviation Cosmetics - Hangars, ramps, taxiway
| WHERE | This is a very popular spot at MLA: from the ‘Spotters Wall’ follow the street course (‘Triq Carmelo Caruana’), there is a small roundabout with a mast, take the 1st exit on the left and then right onto the narrow road. Or as suggested park the car at the parking area of the previous spot and walk in to avoid encountering other cars. Choose an appropriate angle. |
| WHAT | Aircraft being towed on Taxiway B, aircraft parked in front of SR Technics hangar and Aviation Cosmetics Apron. |
| TIME | Cloudy days. Winter from 09.00am till 16.00 and in Summer from 07.00 till 15.00. |
| MISC. | Photos must be taken through the fence but holes were made into the fence (unofficially by spotters). A ladder will help but not generally required. Road: narrow and two-way with limited space. IMP – Do NOT climb on any rubble walls! Field owners will not be happy. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm Austrian Airlines B777 at 35mm; Air Hong Kong A333F and Flair Aviation ATR42 at 18mm; Hifly A380 at 22mm; Olympic Air DHC-8-102A at 70mm |
Wooden fence - 31 arrivals and line up
| WHERE | Take the road ‘Triq Ħal Far’, drive parallel to the runway and as soon as you cross the approach you will see a red wooden fence which is not very high. Continue driving a bit further up and take the road on the right. Park the car there and walk it next to the fence or trees. Choose an appropriate angle. There are some dumped stones to clear the small fence. |
| WHAT | All arriving traffic Runway 31. Aircraft on holding point A prior lining up for departure. |
| TIME | Noon till sunset in Summer. Morning from 10am till sunset in Winter. |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. If using a telephoto lens (100mm-400mm) stay up the road where parked. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 75mm-400mm |
LIDL parking Ħal Luqa/Lay by - 23 arrivals
| WHERE | When coming from the airport take Vjal L-Avjazzjoni (becomes Triq San Tumas during the journey) for about 2.5km. A roundabout (Luqa Monument on it) will appear after that 2.5km – take its second exit for the LIDL supermarket or the first exit to get into the lay-by immediately after the roundabout to park your car at one of these locations.
It can be accessed by bus with the following bus options/locations
You can spot from inside the LIDL Car park in Ħal-Luqa or walk out from the cark park and stay along the perimiter road or the lay by. Choose an appropriate angle but more belly shots from the lay by. |
| WHAT | Runway 23 is mainly used by the General Aviation Aircrafts (Flying Schools etc). Heavy aircrafts use RWY23 in case of RWY13/31 is closed or when strong winds are present. |
| TIME | During all day in winter – Summer from sunrise to late noon |
| MISC. | Snacks and groceries available at LIDL, food shop along the main road (meters away from LIDL). Do not block the entry of this lay-by as a logistics company uses this lay-by as a storage of their cars. You can also go there by bus. Check the map for further details. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 55-300mm |
Taken from the LIDL:
Taken from the Lay by:
North of LHT - Approach 13, apron 2 and 3
| WHERE | When coming from the airport take Vjal L-Avjazzjoni (becomes Triq San Tumas and Triq Ħal Qormi during that 4km journey) for about 4.5km and then turn left into Triq Ta’ Ħal Farruġ. Follow the street course for about 1km the lay-by will appear on the left side. Park your car here and choose an appropriate angle along the road.
It can be accessed by bus with the following bus options/locations
|
| WHAT | All arriving traffic Runway 13 and Runway 31 departed traffic. From the afternoon location you can photograph aircraft parked on Apron 2 and Apron 3 through holes in the fence. Aircraft stands on Apron 2 changed, facing the hangar hence having their back. |
| TIME | All day long. Morning till 11am (in Summer) and from noon till sunset all year long. |
| MISC. | Be very careful, road is a bit busy and you are directly beside to a clearway (Triq Ta’ Ħal-Farrug). Restaurant 650m up the road near Lufthansa Technik Hangar / Petrol Station or further up at Montekristo Estate. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm |
Morning side:
Afternoon side:
SR Technics - Apron 4
| WHERE | The Apron 4 is located next to SR Technics next to the Monte Christo Estates restaurant on the “Triq Hal Farrug” road. This spot is basically located along the fence along the mentioned road here from you have views onto the ramp.
+++ UPDATE OCT 2023: Google is not uptodate here after construction works of new hangars around here. Be aware that it looks different in real life! +++ |
| WHAT | Departures from runway 23 and stored aircraft on apron 4 here. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are in the evening prior to sunset. |
| MISC. | Monte Christo Estates restaurant for food is nearby. You either have to shoot thru the fence mesh or try to shoot over the fence somehow. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 25-300mm |
Unnamed Road - 31 touchdown zone
| WHERE | This spot is located at the end of an unnamed road, not far from spot6 and ‘Triq Ħal Far road. Park you car at the end of it and spot directly there. The position is elevated so there is no need for a ladder. |
| WHAT | All runway 31 arrivals and complete runway 31 line ups. |
| TIME | Noon till sunset in Summer. Morning from 10am till sunset in Winter. |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 75mm-300mm. 182mm for the A319, 114 mm for the A330 |
Elbros Constructions South - 13/31 movements
| WHERE | This spot is located near the southern entrance of Elbros Constructions. Drive up to the fence and start spotting there. |
| WHAT | All runway movements at Runway 13 and 31. Line-Up 13/31 Fox (see A400 photo) |
| TIME | Noon till sunset in Summer. Morning from 10am till sunset in Winter. |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 75mm-400mm. 360mm for the jet, 114mm for the A400m |
Old Fuel Depot - 13/31 movements
| WHERE | This spot is located near the northern entrance of Elbros Constructions and the former fuel depot. Drive up to the fence next to the gate to the fuel depot and start spotting from there. |
| WHAT | All runway movements at Runway 13 and 31. |
| TIME | Noon till sunset in Summer. Morning from 10am till sunset in Winter. |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 75-400mm. 400mm for the drone and 113mm for the ATR |
Spot #13 - Elbros Constructions North - Apron 7 Overview
| WHERE | This spot is located near the northern entrance of Elbros Constructions. Park your car at the street and walk up to the marked spot a few meters. |
| WHAT | All Helicopter movements on Apron 7. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are in the late evening prior to sunset. In winter this is possible earlier. |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 250-400mm. About 300mm for the helicopters. |
Warehouse - 23 early take off
| WHERE | This spot is located near the entrance of the J.Micallef Boatyard and Warehouse. |
| WHAT | Early depatures on Runway 23. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon in summer and 15:00 in winter |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. For this spot 3-4 steps are necessary. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400mm. 320mm for the Casa 295 |
Unpaved road - 23 late takeoff
| WHERE | Follow the unpaved road from Spot 14 further until you reached the marked point on the map. Don’t block the road and park |
| WHAT | Late depatures on Runway 23. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon in summer and 15:00 in winter |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. For this spot 3-4 steps are necessary. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150-400mm 200mm for the A319 on the runway and 200mm for the Diamond on the taxiway |
Unpaved Road - 05 touchdown
| WHERE | Follow the Triq It Torrivincenti until you reach the fence. Park your car and not block the road. Spot with the stepleader at the fence. |
| WHAT | All runway 05 movements. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon in summer and 15:00 in winter |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. For this spot 3-4 steps are necessary. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-250mm. 170mm for the King Air and 240mm for the drone |
Tris Is-Siggiewi - 05 approach
| WHERE | This spot is located at the Tris Is-Siggiewi road before the approach lights. Park you car as the the other cars at the opposite side of the airport fence and start spotting. |
| WHAT | All runway 05 arrivals |
| TIME | From sunrise till 15:00 |
| MISC. | There are no nearby shops so bringing food and water (especially in summer) is a must. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm. 230mm for the Agusta and 200mm for the CH-53 |
In Libya there is a spotting location ?
RWY 05/23 is restricted to Code C aircraft, wingspan 24m up to 36m, e.g. A320/B737. Anything larger has to use RWY 31/13, no matter what’s the wind direction.
Thanks for this useful hint TonY S
-Julian
when strong winds are coming from NE, don’t aircraft take off and land using runway 05, as this would be headwind?
thanks.
Hi is there any aircraft dumped or preserved round the airport anywhere i could see, not the stored ones ?
Hallo Daniel!
wir wissen von nichts…
Gruesse, Severin
If you go to location 7 and look straight ahead and slightly to the left, you can see Windjet A320 EI-DFO
but now it’s gone
there is the Malta Aviation Museum at Ta Qali to get there by bus you just take the 56 and stop bus stop Snajja and just walk through the Crafts Village and always straight and you will see three hangars in front of you.
Hi
When you say car urgently needed required, what did you mean? as public transport is available near all spots on the map…
Thank you
Hi, the text was not up to date. Fixed now.
Thanks.
-Julian
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