About the London → Malta route
Two and a half hours. That's roughly how long it takes easyJet or Air Malta to carry you from the grey sprawl of Gatwick to an island so saturated with limestone light that you'll spend your first afternoon squinting. At 2,064 kilometres, this is solidly short-haul territory — the kind of flight where you've barely finished your coffee before the captain's already talking about descent. It's overwhelmingly a leisure route, though Malta's financial services sector pulls in a steady trickle of business travellers too. Gatwick's 216 non-stop destinations make it a well-connected starting point, and Malta Airport's 113 onward routes mean it's increasingly a hub in its own right.
Why travel from London to Malta?
Malta punches well above its size, and British travellers have known this for decades — the island was under Crown rule until 1964, and that shared history means English is spoken everywhere, driving is on the left, and the welcome feels genuinely warm rather than transactional. People come for Valletta, the fortified capital that fits more UNESCO-listed architecture per square metre than almost anywhere in Europe, and for the ancient temples at Ħaġar Qim that predate Stonehenge by a thousand years. Divers come for the clear visibility around the Blue Grotto. Food lovers come for rabbit stew and ftira bread. Families come because it's safe, compact, and manageable with children. And a growing number of remote workers come because the sun lasts long into October and the cost of a good meal still feels like a reasonable proposition.
Quick stats
- Distance: 2,064 km
- Estimated flight time: 2h 26m
- Operating airlines: BA, KM, LS, U2
- Direct route: yes
Practical tips for LGW → MLA
April through June and September through October offer the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds — peak July and August can be punishing heat with prices to match. Malta Airport sits just six kilometres from Valletta, and the X1 express bus gets you into the city in under 30 minutes for a few euros; taxis are metered and reliable if you'd rather not get through with luggage. Malta uses the euro and no visa is required for UK passport holders for stays under 90 days. If you're flying easyJet, check your cabin bag dimensions before you leave — their size rules are enforced at Gatwick and the fees for oversized bags are not small.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the flight from London Gatwick to Malta take?
The flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Malta (MLA) takes approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes, covering a distance of 2,064 km. This is a relatively short-haul European flight with no time zone change.
Which airlines fly the London Gatwick to Malta route?
Four airlines operate this route: British Airways (BA), KM Air, Loganair (LS), and easyJet (U2). Availability may vary by season, so it's worth comparing options across carriers.
What's the best time of year to fly from London to Malta?
May to September offers warm, sunny weather in Malta (25-30°C), though June-August are peak tourist season with higher fares. April-May and September-October provide a good balance of pleasant weather and more reasonable prices.
Do I need a visa to travel from the UK to Malta?
UK citizens can travel visa-free to Malta for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You'll need a valid passport with at least 3 months validity remaining, and your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years.
What should I know about luggage and jet lag on this route?
Baggage allowances vary by airline—budget carriers like easyJet typically charge for checked bags, while full-service airlines may include them. Since there's no time zone difference between London and Malta, jet lag isn't a concern, making this an ideal short break destination.