The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) said it 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,” the MHRA said.
“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.”
The MHRA said that it 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.”
The MHRA declared that it stands “firmly behind KM Malta Airlines in its efforts to deliver a consistent and reliable service to inbound and outbound travellers.” The MHRA is also calling on the airline to actively start recruiting foreign pilots.