Malta / Luqa / Airport / MLA
Jul 4, 2017, 1:38 am
#1
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Malta / Luqa / Airport / MLA
If you have lounge access (business class, Priority Pass or cash at the door) I highly recommend the La Valette Club at MLA. The lounge has a large outdoor smoking terrace with fantastic apron views (perfect for avgeeks).
Jul 4, 2017, 2:44 am
#2
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Agreed, and have used it myself. Entry down to the left of Departures near Gate 1, and fairly clearly signposted. But surely it's part of the public Cafe, not the La Valette? At least, it was when I last used it.
Jul 4, 2017, 10:22 am
#3
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The cafe has its own smoking area I believe. I was referring to the lounge smoking area only (my only experience).
Jul 4, 2017, 11:48 am
#4
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Trivia ... at least there is one!! I shall be refreshing the geography in September!
Oct 1, 2017, 4:51 am
#5
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Having done a personal refresh of the facilities last week, I now understand!
There's the public smoking Terrace behind the Cafe at the left end of Departures, that I remembered, and which we checked out first ...
.
... and then, as you noted earlier, the VIP Lounge terrace (La Valette)on the upper floor. Elevator access from the main Departures area, near W. H. Smiths. VERY comfortable, with nicely spaced seating, Mdina Glass ashtrays no less!, and a great view of the Ramp area.
There's the public smoking Terrace behind the Cafe at the left end of Departures, that I remembered, and which we checked out first ...
.
... and then, as you noted earlier, the VIP Lounge terrace (La Valette)on the upper floor. Elevator access from the main Departures area, near W. H. Smiths. VERY comfortable, with nicely spaced seating, Mdina Glass ashtrays no less!, and a great view of the Ramp area.
Jul 19, 2020, 4:34 am
#6
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As Malta starts to open up again to tourism, smokers should note that the La Valette Lounge outdoor terrace is 'temporarily [we hope] now non-smoking
Source = https://lavaletteclub.com/reopening-...-vip-terminal/
From happier times!!
Moreover, in line with the guidelines issued by the authorities to catering establishments, a table service will be introduced in lieu of the buffet option. Smoking guests may also wish to note that no smoking will be permitted on the terrace until further notice.
From happier times!!
Jul 19, 2020, 4:00 pm
#7
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Are these the same areas 
This article is dated July 1, 2020 and says smoking is permitted
https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/de...o-remain-open/
But this article dated June 16, 2020 (item 5) says no smoking allowed
https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/tra...en-it-reopens/
This article is dated July 1, 2020 and says smoking is permitted
https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/de...o-remain-open/
But this article dated June 16, 2020 (item 5) says no smoking allowed
https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/tra...en-it-reopens/
Jul 20, 2020, 2:05 am
#8
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No, they're different!
My link refers specifically to the outside upper floor La Valette Lounge Terrace. Your articles relate to the ground floor area behind the Cafe. Clearly the Airport/Cafe has had a change of heart, for which we're grateful!
My photos from 2017 have 'gone' ... here they are again!
2017 ... the La Valette area upstairs
.
2017 - the Cafe area as it was.
2020 ... Cafe area now as per your 2nd link.
My link refers specifically to the outside upper floor La Valette Lounge Terrace. Your articles relate to the ground floor area behind the Cafe. Clearly the Airport/Cafe has had a change of heart, for which we're grateful!
My photos from 2017 have 'gone' ... here they are again!
2017 ... the La Valette area upstairs
.
2017 - the Cafe area as it was.
2020 ... Cafe area now as per your 2nd link.
Jul 20, 2020, 9:58 am
#9
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No, they're different!
My link refers specifically to the outside upper floor La Valette Lounge Terrace. Your articles relate to the ground floor area behind the Cafe. Clearly the Airport/Cafe has had a change of heart, for which we're grateful!
My photos from 2017 have 'gone' ... here they are again!
2017 ... the La Valette area upstairs
.
2017 - the Cafe area as it was.
2020 ... Cafe area now as per your 2nd link.
My link refers specifically to the outside upper floor La Valette Lounge Terrace. Your articles relate to the ground floor area behind the Cafe. Clearly the Airport/Cafe has had a change of heart, for which we're grateful!
My photos from 2017 have 'gone' ... here they are again!
2017 ... the La Valette area upstairs
.
2017 - the Cafe area as it was.
2020 ... Cafe area now as per your 2nd link.
as I didn't want to have to put my moderator hat on and close this thread due to a default of no smoking
Dec 4, 2021, 4:26 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2020
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Malta Airport has a smoking area at gate 1 next to the café, however if you are flying non schengen you need to use it before going through border control as you cant smoke once you are behind the immigration desks at Gates 11-15, there did used to be a smoking hut in the non schengen gate area behind the duty free shop but that has unfortunately now been removed.