As time goes by, aspects of our island fade away due to development or simply just progression into the modern world. But once in a while it’s nice to look back at times gone by, to appreciate how far we’ve come. This time, we’re taking a look at Malta’s airport and how it’s changed since it opened in the early 20^th century.

1. The controls

Super cool! This was the old flying control RAF room back in 1948.

2. Passengers

A pretty spectacular shot! Passengers walk off the runway and into the terminal building in circa 1950-1980.

3. Getting that juice!

These 1960s planes are shown lined up, getting their fuel to take their passengers safely to their destinations.

4. Baggage carts

1966 baggage carts are featured outside the old terminal building, ready to be loaded with passengers’ personal belongings.

5. The old airport

Oh, how times have changed! The old Luqa airport was closed down after 35 years of service, following the inauguration of the new airport in 1992.

6. Welcome aboard

An Air Malta hostess is featured sporting the old uniform just outside the airline’s vintage plane.

7. The terminal

The terminal isn’t what it used to be. Back then, there weren’t as many frequent flyers so the lounge was small in comparison to today’s departure lounges.

8. Ready for take-off!

This 1975 photo shows one of the Air Malta planes ready to fly high into the skies!

9. The viewing balcony!

There was a time when people could wave off their nearest and dearest as they journeyed to a distant land. The viewing balcony (which was quite the experience) is unfortunately no longer there.

10. The Concorde

It was quite the memorable day when back in 1984, the Concorde landed for the first time on our islands.

How cool are these shots?