What happened to Air Malta? Is it now KM Malta Airlines?

Air Malta ceased operations in March 2024 and was replaced by KM Malta Airlines, a new national carrier. KM Malta Airlines took over many Air Malta routes and staff, and uses the same IATA code (KM). Carry-on rules under KM Malta Airlines are similar to those Air Malta operated.

What is the carry-on size and weight limit on KM Malta Airlines?

KM Malta Airlines allows one cabin bag up to 55×40×20 cm (21.7×15.7×7.9 in) with a maximum weight of 7 kg. A personal item that fits under the seat is also permitted.

Is KM Malta Airlines strict about the 7 kg carry-on limit?

Yes, Malta's carrier is widely reported by frequent flyers to enforce the 7 kg limit more strictly than many European airlines. Weighing scales may be used at the check-in desk or gate. Excess bags may be checked into the hold for a fee.

Air Malta / KM Malta Airlines Carry-On Rules (2026)

Air Malta — the carrier that connected Malta to Europe for over 50 years — ceased operations on 31 March 2024 as part of a restructuring required by EU state aid rules. It was immediately succeeded by KM Malta Airlines, a new Maltese flag carrier set up to continue serving the island's air connectivity needs. KM Malta Airlines operates from Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa, near Valletta.

For travelers, the transition means the route network is broadly preserved, but the airline's rules — including carry-on policy — are set under the new entity.

Carry-On Allowance at a Glance

Item	Dimensions	Weight
Carry-on (cabin bag)	55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in)	7 kg
Personal item (handbag/laptop bag)	Must fit under the seat	Counted in total

The 7 kg limit is notably strict — it is lower than the 8–12 kg offered by most European full-service carriers. On budget airlines this is more typical, but KM Malta Airlines positions itself as Malta's national carrier rather than purely as an LCC.

Note: Some sources indicate the personal item may be counted toward the 7 kg total, rather than being a separate free allowance. Verify current policy directly with KM Malta Airlines before travel, as rules have been evolving since the 2024 transition.

Why 7 kg Fills Up Fast

With a 7 kg carry-on limit, weight management is critical:

Item	Approximate weight
Medium roller carry-on (empty)	3–4 kg
Laptop (15 in)	1.8–2.2 kg
Clothes for 3 days	1.5–2 kg
Shoes (1 pair)	0.8–1.2 kg
Toiletries, cables	0.5 kg
Estimated total	7.6–9.4 kg

The math is tight. To stay under 7 kg, consider a lightweight carry-on shell (some ultralight models weigh under 2 kg) or use a soft bag.

Enforcement

Malta's carrier is flagged by frequent travelers as stricter than average in bag enforcement. Common enforcement points include:

Check-in desk — staff may weigh bags and ask overweight luggage to be checked in.
Gate sizers — bag sizer frames are sometimes present at Malta's departure gates.
Gate agents — proactive visual inspection of cabin bags before boarding.

Excess bag fees at the gate are typically higher than the pre-paid price online. If you know your bag is over 7 kg, it is significantly cheaper to add a checked bag to your booking in advance.

Fare Classes

KM Malta Airlines sells economy and business class tickets with straightforward baggage inclusions:

Cabin	Carry-on	Checked bags
Economy Lite	1 × 7 kg carry-on	None included
Economy	1 × 7 kg carry-on	1 × 23 kg
Economy Flex	1 × 7 kg carry-on	1 × 23 kg + flexibility
Business	2 × 7 kg (or higher allowance)	2 × 32 kg

Check the specific fare terms when booking, as the new carrier may refine these.

Malta International Airport (MLA) Notes

Malta's only commercial airport is compact. Key points:

Single terminal — relatively easy to navigate
Security — can queue significantly in summer peak (June–September) when package holiday flights and charter traffic surges
Schengen member — Malta joined the EU and Schengen Area; standard EU 100 ml liquids rule applies
No domestic routes — all flights are international; connections to Europe, North Africa (especially Libya, Tunisia), and some Middle East points

Travel tip: Malta gets hot in summer. Passengers sometimes try to wear extra layers or bulky clothing to reduce bag weight — this is permitted but can be uncomfortable on a packed flight.

Liquids and Security

Malta is an EU member state. Standard rules apply:

Containers ≤100 ml, in one transparent resealable 1-litre bag
One bag per passenger
Declared and removed from hand luggage at security

Practical Tips

Use a lightweight soft bag — a duffel or soft backpack is significantly lighter than a rigid roller and easier to squeeze under the seat if bins are full.
Weigh at home — 7 kg is tight. Use a luggage scale to check before you head to the airport.
Pre-pay for checked bag if you carry more than a few days of clothing — it is typically under €20 if added in advance.
Business class — if you frequently travel Malta routes for work, business class offers meaningfully better baggage terms.
Connections — if KM Malta Airlines is a codeshare or connection on another carrier's ticket, the issuing carrier's baggage rules may take precedence.

Historical Context: Air Malta vs. KM Malta Airlines

Feature	Air Malta (until March 2024)	KM Malta Airlines (2024–)
IATA code	KM	KM
Hub	Malta (MLA)	Malta (MLA)
Carry-on size	55×40×20 cm	55×40×20 cm
Carry-on weight	7 kg	7 kg
Alliance	None	None
Fleet	Airbus A319/A320	Airbus A320

The transition was largely seamless for passengers — same routes, similar rules, same airport.