Journey Facilitation for Passengers with Autism

We’re here to help

The airport bustle and processes can at times be daunting even for the savviest of travellers. For families of children with autism and individuals on the spectrum, the journey through the terminal can indeed appear to be too much of an ordeal to even consider.

We don’t want anyone to miss out on the excitement of air travel.

This is where our team would like to step in to lend you an extra helping hand in getting through our airport without any hitches and make the start of your adventure as enjoyable as possible.

Download the Terminal Visual Guide

If you are travelling soon, we recommend that you download our Visual Guide, which will take you on a step-by-step visual journey through the terminal. The photos, simple directions, and explanations of the main processes included in this guide are aimed towards preparing travellers for the airport journey ahead of their actual trip, helping them feel more at ease on the day of their travels.

You may also find a map of Level 0 and Level 1 of our airport terminal below:

titl - passengers with autism

Level 0 (Check-In Hall)

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Level 0 (Welcomers’ Hall)

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Level 1 (Schengen and Non-Schengen Departures)

 

Let us know when you’ll be travelling

By filling in the form at the bottom of the page, you would be alerting our team to the fact that you or someone you’ll be travelling with will be needing additional assistance while passing through Malta International Airport. It is important to note that this form should be submitted at least 72 hours prior to your trip to enable us to make any necessary arrangements

Our facilitative treatment includes the following services free of charge:

• Help with getting ready for check-in
• Fast track through the Central Security Screening Area
• Being accompanied to the departure gates area
• Use of a quiet space (subject to availability)

Let us know you have arrived

Once you arrive at the terminal, you can let us know you are here through one of the below points.

Departures – Customer Services Information Centre at the Check-in Area

Book a Practice Run*

Don’t let the fear of what awaits at the airport stop your from travelling. You can familiarise yourself with the airport processes and the different parts of the journey by booking a practice run with one of our team members ahead of the actual trip. You may do so by contacting us on assist@maltairport.com.

*Please note that this service is subject to flight schedules and availability.

Our airport is quite small and easy to navigate, but here are some point-to-point transfer distances

 FROM  TO

 WALKING

DISTANCE

 Arrivals Entrance  Baggage Reclaim Area  250m
 Baggage Reclaim Area  Coaches Park  230m
 Baggage Reclaim Area  Taxi Stands  90m
 Baggage Reclaim Area

 Park East Rental Car Park

(via Level -1 tunnel)

 378m
 Passenger Drop-off Point (Check-in)  Check-in Counters  87m
 Check-in Counters  Security Area  120m
 Check-in Counters  Departure Gates  300m

Travel Tips

We hope to welcome you at our airport soon. In the meantime, here are some tips we have put together to help you make the most of your upcoming trip if you are travelling with an individual with autism.

• Find out what support and facilities are available at the airports and hotels you will be using
• Explain the airport process to the individual, facilitating their understanding with visuals
• Rehearse processes such as check-in and security screening to minimise surprises on the day
• Simulate holiday scenarios by showing your child pictures and videos of the destination you will be travelling to
• Find a spot at the airport that can provide interesting distractions: our Observation Deck on Level 3 for instance
• Have handy a number of items that can be used to reward good behaviour
• Pack your child’s favourite toys and items, which can be used as distractions along the journey and serve as a comforting reminder of home
•If the individual is sensitive to loud sounds, bring noise-cancelling headphones to eliminate most of the background noise of the airport and reduce what remains to a manageable level.

 

You may also find a video guide below which will take you on a step-by-step visual journey through the terminal.

Passengers with Autism – Travel Form

Please fill in this form if you believe that you’d be needing additional assistance while passing through our airport

  • Address

  • Kindly provide a Medical Certificate, Psychological Report or any other official document of the passenger making use of the service.
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