KM Malta Airlines Pet Policy 2026: How to transport a pet with KM Malta Airlines

Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026

Planning a Mediterranean escape with your four-legged companion? Whether you’re heading to the sun-drenched streets of Valletta or flying home from London, navigating the KM Malta Airlines pet policy (the sleek successor to Air Malta) is the first step to a stress-free “paw-cation.”

Here is everything you need to know about flying with pets on Malta’s national colors in 2026.

In-Cabin: The “Pet-in-Cabin” (PETC) Experience

If your pet is a “compact traveler,” they can join you in the cabin. But remember: space is more exclusive than a front-row seat at Fashion Week.

The Guest List: Only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin. Sorry, no emotional support iguanas this time!
Limit: One pet per passenger, and only 5 pets total are allowed on the entire flight. Pro Tip: Check availability before you buy your own ticket!
Weight Limit: 2026 is a good year—the limit is now 10 kg (22 lbs) including the carrier. (That’s a 2kg upgrade from the old Air Malta days!)
Carrier Specs: You’ll need a soft-sided, collapsible bag no larger than 40 x 34 x 18 cm. It must fit under the seat, so your pet has a front-row view of your shoes.
The Tab: A flat fee of €85 per way.

Checked Baggage: Traveling in the Hold (AVIH)

For the bigger barkers (and the rabbits!), the hold is a safe, temperature-controlled “VIP lounge” downstairs.

Who can go? Dogs, cats, rabbits, hares, ferrets, and birds.
Weight Limit: Up to 32 kg (70 lbs) including the crate. Anything heavier moves into the “Cargo” category.
The Cost: Small (1-10kg): €100
- Medium (11-20kg): €135
- Large (21-32kg): €170 (Includes a €10 admin fee because even pets have to deal with bureaucracy.)

The “Paws-port” & Paperwork

Don’t let your vacation end at the boarding gate. KM Malta Airlines is strict about their “no papers, no play” rule.

The Passport: A valid EU Pet Passport (or official health certificate for non-EU travelers).
The ID: A 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip.
The Vaccination: A valid Rabies jab (administered after the microchip).
The 3-Day Rule: Your pet needs a Clinical Examination by a vet within 3 days (72 hours) of departure to prove they are fit for flight.
The Malta Special: Entering Malta? You must submit an [Online Pre-Notification Form] to the Maltese Veterinary authorities at least 3 working days before arrival for a vet inspection at the airport.

⚠️ UK Travelers Alert: Per UK law, you cannot fly pets in the cabin or as checked baggage into the UK—they must travel as manifest cargo. However, you can fly pets in the cabin from London Heathrow (LHR) to Malta!

🚫 Essential Restrictions

Age: Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old and weaned for at least 5 days. No “nursery” flights allowed!
Snub-Nosed Breeds: For safety reasons, KM Malta Airlines may restrict certain flat-faced breeds (like Pugs or Persians) in the hold during hot weather. Always check the “Breathe-ability” clause when booking.

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