Flights to Malta from Australia require planning because there are currently no direct flights from Australia to Malta, meaning most travellers need one or two connections before reaching Malta International Airport.
The most common routes connect through the Middle East, Europe or Asia, with options depending on your departure city, airline preference, budget and how long you are comfortable travelling. This guide explains the main flight routes, common stopover airports and what to expect when arriving in Malta.
Sydney Opera House at sunsetTravelling from Australia to Malta usually involves one or two connecting flights, as there are currently no direct services between Australia and Malta.
The best route depends on where you are departing from, your preferred airline, budget and whether you want the shortest possible journey or a more comfortable stopover.
The most common options are:
When comparing flights, look beyond the ticket price. A cheaper option may include a much longer layover, while a slightly more expensive route may save many hours of travelling time.
Most travellers arrive at Malta International Airport, the island’s only airport, which is located near Valletta and connected to Malta’s main towns by buses, taxis and private transfers.
When comparing flights from Australia to Malta, look at the complete journey rather than only the individual flight segments.
Pay particular attention to:
The best flight is not necessarily the one with the shortest flying time. A slightly longer route with an easier connection can sometimes provide a much more comfortable journey.
Important: Flight routes, airline schedules, connection options and journey times can change throughout the year. Always check the full itinerary and current flight details before booking, especially if your journey includes more than one airline or connection.
When travelling from Australia to Malta, most routes involve choosing the connection point that best matches your priorities. Some travellers prefer the convenience of major Middle Eastern hubs, while others choose European or Asian airports depending on airline availability, travel plans and preferred stopover experience.
The following sections look at the main connection options and what travellers should consider when choosing their route to Malta.
If you would like to compare these flight options with the wider ways of reaching the islands, see our guide on how to get to Malta.
Flying through Asia is another possible way to reach Malta from Australia, especially for travellers who are already considering a stopover or who find a suitable airline connection.
Routes through Asia can involve a longer geographical journey compared with some Middle East connections, but they may still be a practical choice depending on your departure city, airline availability and overall travel plans.
Possible connection airports can include major Asian hubs such as Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul or other large international airports, followed by a connecting flight to Malta through Europe or another connecting point.
When comparing an Asian route, check the total journey time carefully. A lower airfare may sometimes include a much longer stopover, while a slightly different route may provide a more comfortable travel experience.
For many travellers flying from Australia to Malta, the Middle East is one of the most practical connection options because of its location between Australia and Europe.
Major airports such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi offer connections towards Malta through European routes and other airline networks. These airports are popular because they are designed for international connections and usually provide a wide range of onward travel options.
A Middle East connection can be a good choice if you want to reduce complicated airport changes or prefer travelling through a large international hub. However, always compare the total journey time, including your layover, as the shortest flight route is not always the cheapest option.
If you are considering a route through Dubai, you may also wish to compare the available Dubai to Malta flight options before choosing your final itinerary.
Another option when travelling from Australia to Malta is to connect through a major European airport before taking a final flight to Malta.
European hubs can be useful because Malta has frequent connections with several European countries. Depending on your airline and departure city in Australia, you may travel through a European airport before continuing to Malta International Airport.
European hubs can be useful because Malta has frequent flight connections with several European countries. Depending on your airline and departure city in Australia, you may travel through a European airport before continuing to Malta International Airport.
This option can work well for travellers who want to combine their Malta trip with another European destination or who find a convenient airline connection through Europe.
When comparing European routes, check the full journey carefully. A route with an additional stop may appear cheaper, but a longer layover can significantly increase your total travel time.
Aircraft parked at international airportWhen choosing a flight from Australia to Malta, your connection airport can make a big difference to your overall journey. A convenient layover can reduce travel stress, while a long or complicated connection can add many hours to your trip.
Popular connection airports vary depending on your departure city, airline and travel plans. Common options may include major international hubs in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, such as:
Before booking, compare the full journey, not just the airfare. Consider total travel time, stopover length, number of airport changes, and how comfortable the connection will be.
Flights from Australia to Malta vary depending on your departure city, airline choice and preferred connection route.
Major Australian cities usually offer the widest range of international connections, but the best option is not always the shortest distance. Travellers should compare the total journey time, number of stops and length of layovers when choosing a flight.
The sections below look at some of the main Australian departure airports and what travellers should consider when planning their journey to Malta.
Travellers departing from Sydney usually need to make one or more connections when flying to Malta, as no direct flights currently operate between Sydney and Malta.
The exact route depends on the airline, availability and time of year, but many journeys connect through major international hubs in the Middle East, Asia or Europe before continuing to Malta International Airport.
When comparing flights from Sydney, consider:
Sydney Airport is the main international airport serving Sydney, making it one of the most practical departure points in Australia for long-distance travel to Malta.
Before choosing your route, compare the complete itinerary, including the number of connections, airport changes and total travel time. The most convenient option will depend on your preferred balance of comfort and journey length.
Travellers flying from Melbourne to Malta usually need to make one or more connections, as there are currently no direct flights between Melbourne and Malta.
The route you choose will depend on airline availability, connection times and your preferred travel experience. Common journeys may connect through major international airports in the Middle East, Asia or Europe before continuing to Malta International Airport.
When planning a flight from Melbourne, consider:
Melbourne Airport is the main international airport serving Melbourne and provides access to many long-distance routes. For travellers from Victoria, it is generally the most practical departure point when planning a journey to Malta.
After your long journey from Australia, the final part of your trip is getting from Malta International Airport to your accommodation.
The best option depends on where you are staying, your arrival time, luggage and whether you prefer the cheapest option or the simplest journey.
The main transport choices from Malta Airport are:
After your long journey from Australia, the final part of your trip is getting from Malta International Airport to your accommodation.
Public transport buses are the most budget-friendly way to travel from Malta International Airport to many parts of the island.
This option can work well if you are travelling light and are comfortable planning your route after arrival. However, after a long journey from Australia, buses may not be the most convenient choice if you have heavy luggage, are travelling with children or arrive late in the evening.
Bus routes connect the airport with many towns and tourist areas across Malta. Before travelling, check the latest routes, timings and ticket options to make sure public transport suits your arrival time and destination.
For some visitors, especially first-time travellers to Malta, a direct transfer or taxi may provide a simpler arrival experience.
An airport transfer can be one of the easiest options after a long journey from Australia, especially if you want to arrive at your accommodation without having to navigate buses or find transport after landing.
A pre-arranged transfer means a driver can meet you at Malta International Airport and take you directly to your hotel, apartment or holiday accommodation.
This option can be particularly useful if you:
The cost is usually higher than public transport, but many visitors prefer the convenience and peace of mind after a long international journey.
A taxi can be a convenient option when travelling from Malta International Airport to your accommodation, especially after a long international journey.
This choice may suit travellers who:
Taxis provide direct transport to towns and tourist areas across Malta. Before travelling, check the current taxi arrangements at Malta Airport and choose an option that suits your arrival time and destination.
For many first-time visitors, a taxi or pre-arranged transfer can make the arrival process simpler after a long flight.
If you are considering hiring a car, our guide to renting a car in Malta explains what to consider before deciding whether driving suits your holiday plans. For some visitors, buses, taxis or transfers may still be simpler depending on where they are staying and what they want to see.
Aircraft wing flying above MaltaTravellers from Australia are not limited to Sydney and Melbourne when planning a journey to Malta.
Depending on where you live, you may need to connect through another Australian city before beginning the international part of your journey. The best departure airport depends on available airlines, connection times, and your overall travel plans.
Smaller international airports may still be suitable, but many travellers compare options from the larger Australian gateways because they usually offer more international connections.
Travellers from Brisbane can also plan a journey to Malta, although they will usually need to make one or more connections before arriving at Malta International Airport.
The best route will depend on the airlines available at the time of booking and the connection options offered through major international airports.
When comparing flights from Brisbane, consider:
For some travellers, connecting through another Australian or international hub may provide more choice when planning the journey to Malta.
Travellers from Perth can also reach Malta by combining flights through suitable international connection points.
Because Perth is on Australia's western side, the best route may depend on available airlines, travel direction, and connection options at the time of booking.
When planning a journey from Perth to Malta, consider:
As with other Australian departure points, there are usually no direct flights to Malta, so choosing a practical connection can significantly improve the overall travel experience.
Travellers from Adelaide can also plan a journey to Malta, usually by connecting through suitable domestic or international airports depending on the available flight options.
The best route depends on airline schedules at the time of travel, the number of connections, and the overall journey time.
When comparing flights from Adelaide, consider:
As with other Australian departure points, planning the connection carefully can make a long journey to Malta more comfortable.
Australia has a long connection with Malta, and many travellers searching for flights to Malta have a personal link to the islands through family, heritage or previous visits.
For Maltese Australians planning a return visit, the journey usually involves choosing the most suitable flight route based on departure city, airline connections and travel preferences.
Whether you are visiting relatives, returning to Malta or discovering the islands for the first time, planning your route in advance can help make a long-distance journey more comfortable.
Are there direct flights from Australia to Malta?
No direct flights currently operate between Australia and Malta. Travellers usually need one or more connections through airports in Europe, Asia or the Middle East.
How long is the flight from Australia to Malta?
The total journey time depends on your departure city, connection airport and layover length. Flights from Australia can often involve a long travel day because of the distance and required connections.
What is the best way to fly from Australia to Malta?
The best route depends on your priorities. Some travellers prefer fewer connections, while others may choose a route based on a convenient stopover airport or airline availability.
Which Australian airports can I fly from to Malta?
Travellers commonly start from major Australian airports such as Sydney and Melbourne, but routes can also be planned from other cities including Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
What happens after I arrive at Malta Airport?
After landing, you can continue your journey by bus, taxi, airport transfer, or car rental, depending on your accommodation, luggage, and travel plans.