<h2 class="blog-hed2 pb-lg-4 pb-3 text-lg-center">History Malta International Airport</h2>
<p class="blog-para"><strong>Early years </strong></p>
<p class="blog-para">The first civil airfield was constructed at Ta' Qali, followed by others at Ħal Far (RAF Hal Far) and Luqa. During the Second World War, the airfields at Ta' Qali and Hal Far were severely battered and civil operations subsequently centred on Luqa Airport.</p>
<p class="blog-para">Airspeed Ambassador G-ALZW of British European Airways, at Luqa airport in October 1956</p>
<p class="blog-para">The increase in passenger handling and aircraft movements necessitated the construction of a civil air terminal.</p>
<p class="blog-para">Preparations started in 1956, and the British Government mainly financed what was then a &pound;300,000 project. Malta's new passenger air terminal at Luqa was inaugurated on 31 March 1958 by then Governor of Malta Sir Robert Laycock. The air terminal consisted of two floors including some basic facilities such as a restaurant, a post office, a cable and wireless office and a viewing balcony for the public.</p>
<p class="blog-para">In October 1977, a new and longer runway was launched and works commenced on the extension and refurbishment of the air terminal. An arrivals lounge and another lounge dedicated to VIPs were added and the original part of the terminal building was used for departures.</p>
<p class="blog-para">This refurbishment was not enough as it still lacked certain essential facilities. Immediately after a change in government in 1987, the new administration decided that the 35-year-old terminal was past its time (Luqa Terminal) and therefore gave the green light for the construction of a new air terminal along Park 9 (now located in Gudja).</p>
<p><img class="img-fluid p-lg-0 rounded w-100" title=" Malta International Airport" src="../../main/img/airport/mall/1.webp" alt="Malta International Airport " width="950px" height="500px"></p>