For summer 2026, Delta operates a seasonal non-stop flight from New York JFK to Malta International Airport (MLA), giving US travellers their simplest direct option. From most other cities in the United States, you will normally reach Malta with at least one connection, often through a major European airport. If you are comparing flights with ferries and other ways of reaching the islands, see our complete guide on how to get to Malta.
If you are not using the seasonal direct flight from JFK, your total journey time will depend heavily on your US departure city, connection airport and layover. Some routes require one change, while others may involve two, particularly when travelling from cities with fewer transatlantic options. When comparing flights, look at total travel time and the number of connections, not just the flying time of each leg.
Last Updated: August 2026
Important: Flight schedules, seasonal routes and fares can change. Always check the dates, connection times and final itinerary with the airline or booking provider before you book.
✍️ Written by Albert and Benjamin Magro, Malta locals sharing practical advice based on living on and exploring the islands.
Los Angeles AirportFor summer 2026, Delta operates a non-stop flight from New York JFK (JFK) to Malta International Airport (MLA). The service began on 7 June 2026 and operates three times a week, giving travellers the first direct option between New York and Malta.
The scheduled non-stop journey takes roughly 9 hours 10 minutes to 9 hours 25 minutes, depending on the flight date and timetable. As this is a seasonal service rather than a year-round route, check Delta's current schedule for your travel dates before planning around it.
If you are departing from New York, see our more detailed guide to flights to Malta from New York.
If you are travelling from another US city, or if the seasonal JFK flight does not operate on your dates, you will normally reach Malta with at least one connection. Your exact route will depend on your departure airport, airline, travel dates and timetable, with many itineraries connecting through a major European airport before continuing to Malta.
Rather than choosing a flight simply because it has the lowest fare, compare total journey time, number of stops, and layover length. A slightly more expensive itinerary with one well-timed connection can be much easier than a cheaper option involving two changes or a very long wait between flights.
Several airlines offer USA–Malta itineraries with a connection. Current options include British Airways through London, Lufthansa through its European network and SWISS through Zurich, although the exact route available will depend on your US departure airport and travel dates.
You may also find itineraries where KM Malta Airlines operates the final European flight into Malta, combined with a partner airline. Rather than relying on one fixed airline list, compare the complete itinerary for your dates and check which airline operates each part of the journey.
When comparing flights from the USA to Malta, look beyond the ticket price. Check the total journey time, number of connections, length of each layover and baggage conditions, particularly if different airlines operate separate parts of your journey.
Use the flight comparison tools on this page to check current fares, airlines and connection times for your travel dates before booking.
There is no single flight time from the USA to Malta because it depends on your departure city and whether you fly directly or connect. As a practical guide:
The times shown are guides, not guarantees, because airline schedules and connection times can change.
Your easiest route to Malta will depend on where you begin your journey. The sections below cover New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston, with practical guidance for each departure city. Flight schedules and connection options can change, so use these sections to understand the likely route rather than as a fixed timetable.
Commercial aircraft parked at an airport terminal during sunsetNew York currently offers the simplest journey from the USA because Delta operates a seasonal non-stop service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Malta International Airport (MLA).
If the non-stop service does not operate on your travel date, connecting itineraries are also available. Rather than relying on a fixed list of connection airports, compare the current options for your dates because airline schedules and available routes can change.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Las Vegas to Malta, but one-stop itineraries are available from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
Your total journey will be longer once the connection time is included, so compare the full travel time and layover, rather than choosing an itinerary from the flying time alone.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Atlanta to Malta, but travellers can find one-stop itineraries from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
The connection available will depend on your airline and travel date. Check the total journey time and length of the layover before booking, as these can make a significant difference to the overall trip.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Boston to Malta, but travellers can find several one-stop itineraries from Logan International Airport (BOS).
Your final journey time will depend on the connection and length of your layover. When comparing flights, check the complete itinerary rather than the individual flight times alone.
Passengers are waiting at the terminal before the next stage of their journeyThere are currently no non-stop flights from Miami to Malta, but several one-stop itineraries are available from Miami International Airport (MIA).
Some connections can make the journey considerably longer, so compare the total travel time, connection airport and layover duration before deciding which itinerary works best for you.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Malta, but several one-stop itineraries are available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The quickest options currently connect through major European hubs, but the best itinerary will depend on your travel date and airline. Compare the full journey time and layover, as the total trip can be considerably longer than the flying time alone.
There are currently no non-stop flights from San Francisco to Malta, but several one-stop itineraries are available from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Some of the faster one-stop routings currently connect through major European hubs such as Zurich, Amsterdam or Munich, but schedules change. Compare the total travel time, connection airport and layover duration before booking.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Washington Dulles to Malta, but several one-stop itineraries are available from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The available connection will depend on your airline and travel date. Compare the total journey time and layover duration, because the overall trip will be longer than the combined flying time shown above.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Seattle to Malta, but several one-stop itineraries are available from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
The quickest current options connect through major European airports, but schedules vary by airline and travel date. Compare the total journey time and layover duration before booking, as the overall trip will be longer than the flying time shown above.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Chicago to Malta, but several one-stop itineraries are available from O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Several major European hubs can be used for the connection, but the options vary by airline and travel date. Compare the total journey time and layover duration rather than relying on a fixed list of connection airports.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth to Malta, but several one-stop itineraries are available from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Some routings are much quicker than others, so pay particular attention to the connection airport, layover and total journey time when comparing flights for your dates.
London Heathrow is a common European connection for USA–Malta journeysThere are currently no non-stop flights from Houston to Malta, but several one-stop itineraries are available from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
The available routing depends on your airline and travel date, so compare the connection airport, layover duration and total journey time before booking.
Once you land at Malta International Airport (MLA), you can continue to your accommodation by public bus, airport transfer, taxi or rental car. The best option depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have and whether you prefer the lowest cost or a direct journey.
Malta Public Transport operates regular buses and Airport Direct services from Malta International Airport to different parts of the island. Airport Direct routes currently serve popular areas including Valletta, St Julian's, Sliema, Gżira, Msida, Buġibba, Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa, although you should check the current timetable for the best route to your accommodation.
You can buy a bus ticket onboard using cash or a contactless bank card. If you plan to use public transport regularly during your stay, travel cards are also available from the Malta Public Transport sales office in the airport's Welcomers' Hall and from card-dispensing machines at the airport.
A pre-booked airport transfer can be one of the easiest options after a long flight, particularly if you are travelling with luggage, children or as part of a group. You can choose between shared shuttle services and private transfers, depending on your budget and how directly you want to reach your accommodation.
See our Malta Airport transfers guide to compare shared shuttles, private transfers, taxis and public transport before you book.
Taxis from Malta International Airport are available 24 hours a day and can take you directly to destinations across Malta. On arrival, you can purchase a pre-paid taxi ticket at a fixed rate from the taxi booth in the airport's Welcomers' Hall. The fare depends on your destination.
A taxi is useful if you want a direct journey without arranging a private transfer in advance. For current airport taxi information, apps and practical booking advice, see our Taxi Malta guide.
Renting a car can be useful if you want to explore different parts of Malta independently and travel at your own pace. Car-rental companies have collection desks and offices at Park East, next to Malta International Airport, making it convenient to pick up a pre-booked vehicle after your flight.
Before booking, consider the number of passengers, luggage space and size of car you need. See our Malta car rental guide for more information before choosing a vehicle.
Are There Direct Flights From the USA to Malta?
Yes. For summer 2026, Delta operates a seasonal non-stop service from New York JFK to Malta International Airport (MLA) three times a week. Travellers from most other US cities will normally need a connecting flight.
How Long Is the Flight From the USA to Malta?
The flight time depends on where you start your journey. The non-stop flight from New York JFK takes roughly nine hours, while connecting journeys from other US cities take longer depending on the route and length of the layover.
Can You Fly Directly to Gozo?
No. You cannot currently fly directly from the USA to Gozo on a scheduled international passenger flight. Gozo has a heliport at Xewkija, but US travellers normally fly into Malta International Airport and continue to Gozo after arriving in Malta.
What Airport Do You Fly Into for Valletta?
Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA), located in Luqa. There is no separate commercial airport in Valletta. From Malta Airport, you can continue to Valletta by bus, taxi, transfer or rental car.
For the latest schedules and airline information, these official resources are useful before booking: