Mediterranean Observer
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (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 the national interest are at stake.
MHRA is closely following the latest industrial directives issued by the Airline Pilots Association Malta (ALPA) and the Union of Cabin Crew (UCC), which are already causing flight delays, operational disruption, and reputational damage to KM Malta Airlines. Coming at the peak of the summer tourism season, these actions risk inflicting serious harm on Malta’s tourism industry, one of the country’s main economic pillars that sustains tens of thousands of jobs.
Malta’s air connectivity is not just a business matter, it is a lifeline for the economy and for the livelihoods of thousands of Maltese and Gozitans. Disruption at this stage undermines visitor confidence and jeopardises Malta’s long-term reputation as a reliable destination.
The Maltese population has already invested, and continues to invest, hundreds of millions of euros to bring Air Malta to a close and establish KM Malta Airlines, safeguarding employment for pilots and cabin crew. This investment must be respected, not undermined. Industrial action cannot become the default method of addressing differences between management and employees. Disputes must be resolved through dialogue and constructive engagement, not through measures that inflict widespread damage. What may appear as a short-term gain for one side risks becoming a permanent loss for the entire country. If KM Malta Airlines fails, there will be no second chance to retain a national airline.
MHRA calls on government to move swiftly to establish clear, sustainable wage and employment regulations for the aviation sector. At the same time, MHRA urges all parties involved in this dispute to act constructively and in the national interest, working towards a fair and balanced solution that secures Malta’s connectivity, protects the competitiveness of its tourism sector, and safeguards the future of the national airline.
