Smoking at Malta's International Airport (MLA)
Airport Rating

Before and After Security Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the
terminals.
NOTE: Passengers travelling
to the UK and Rep of Ireland must make use of the smoking area
before they pass through border control into the Non Schengen gate
area. There is no smoking beyond this point and you cannot go back
once you've went through the passport booths.
Update from John P., Nov 2021: Malta airport has a lovely
smoking area at one end of the terminal by gate 1 past the cafe
called Relish. I think it's theirs but I didn't get challenged for
not buying anything. Here's a couple of pics.

Update from Holger, Jan 2020: The "Lavalette" lounge, which serves entitled passengers of all airlines
departing from MLA and which offers entry for a fee, has a beautiful terrace
overseeing the airfield on which smoking is also permitted.

There is now no smoking area past the secondary
passport check after security, it was closed a few years back.
Further Information
Official Website