The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) strongly condemns the industrial \ndirectives issued by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) against KM Malta Airlines, which \nare already causing delays and operational disruption during the peak of Malta\u2019s critical \nsummer tourism season.<\/p>\n
At a time when Malta is welcoming thousands of visitors daily and the tourism sector is \noperating at full capacity, these actions by pilots are irresponsible, unjustified, and harmful \nto the national economy. Tourism remains one of Malta\u2019s most vital industries, directly \nsupporting tens of thousands of jobs across hospitality, transport, catering, and retail. Any \ndisruption to air connectivity threatens not only immediate bookings and guest satisfaction \nbut also Malta\u2019s long-term reputation as a reliable and accessible destination.<\/p>\n
The directives being enforced, including procedural slowdowns and refusals to cooperate \nwith standard airline operations, appear clearly intended to apply pressure through \ndisruption, with little regard for the broader consequences to the economy and the \nthousands of Maltese and Gozitans who depend on tourism for their livelihood.<\/p>\n
MHRA fully respects the right of employees to voice concerns through legitimate channels. \nHowever, such rights must be exercised responsibly and proportionately, especially when \nessential public services and national interests are at stake. The current actions fall far short of that standard.<\/p>\n
We call on ALPA to immediately suspend these directives, return to the negotiating table, \nand take into account the wider national implications of their actions. Malta cannot afford \nto have its tourism industry and its international image jeopardised by internal industrial \ndisputes.<\/p>\n
MHRA stands firmly behind KM Malta Airlines in its efforts to deliver a consistent and \nreliable service to inbound and outbound travellers. MHRA is also calling on the airline to \nactively start recruiting foreign pilots.<\/p>\n
Finally, MHRA calls on the Maltese public to stand behind the national airline at this crucial \nmoment. The MHRA and the country have had enough.<\/p>\n