The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) strongly condemns the industrial
directives issued by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) against KM Malta Airlines, which
are already causing delays and operational disruption during the peak of Malta’s critical
summer tourism season.
At a time when Malta is welcoming thousands of visitors daily and the tourism sector is
operating at full capacity, these actions by pilots are irresponsible, unjustified, and harmful
to the national economy. Tourism remains one of Malta’s most vital industries, directly
supporting tens of thousands of jobs across hospitality, transport, catering, and retail. Any
disruption to air connectivity threatens not only immediate bookings and guest satisfaction
but also Malta’s long-term reputation as a reliable and accessible destination.
The directives being enforced, including procedural slowdowns and refusals to cooperate
with standard airline operations, appear clearly intended to apply pressure through
disruption, with little regard for the broader consequences to the economy and the
thousands of Maltese and Gozitans who depend on tourism for their livelihood.
MHRA fully respects the right of employees to voice concerns through legitimate channels.
However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and proportionately, especially when
essential public services and national interests are at stake. The current actions fall far short of that standard.
We call on ALPA to immediately suspend these directives, return to the negotiating table,
and take into account the wider national implications of their actions. Malta cannot afford
to have its tourism industry and its international image jeopardised by internal industrial
disputes.
MHRA stands firmly behind KM Malta Airlines in its efforts to deliver a consistent and
reliable service to inbound and outbound travellers. MHRA is also calling on the airline to
actively start recruiting foreign pilots.
Finally, MHRA calls on the Maltese public to stand behind the national airline at this crucial
moment. The MHRA and the country have had enough.
