During the Second World War, the airfields at Ta' Qali and Ħal Far were severely battered and civil operations subsequently centred on Luqa Airport.

[3] The increase in passenger handling and aircraft movements necessitated the construction of a civil air terminal.

[citation needed] In October 1977, a new and longer runway was launched and works commenced on the extension and refurbishment of the air terminal.

The foundation stone of the present air terminal in Gudja was laid in September 1989 and it was inaugurated in record time 29 months later, in February 1992.

Malta International Airport became fully operational on 25 March 1992, and the old Luqa passenger terminal was effectively closed down after 35 years.

[5] In November 1995, Balkan Bulgarian Airlines introduced a flight from Sofia to New York City that stopped in Malta.

[10] The largest aircraft visiting Malta International Airport regularly is the daily Emirates Boeing 777-300.

The airport has received occasional visits by the Airbus A380, usually for repainting at one of the local maintenance facilities.

[12] The airport also hosts several maintenance facilities including those operated by Lufthansa Technik and SR Technics.