MHRA calls pilots ‘irresponsible, unjustified’ over strike during ‘critical summer tourism season’

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has strongly criticised the industrial directives currently being enforced by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) against KM Malta Airlines, describing them as “irresponsible, unjustified, and harmful to the national economy.”

In a statement issued on Monday (today), the MHRA expressed concern over the timing of the industrial action, noting that it coincides with the peak of Malta’s summer tourism season – a critical period during which the country welcomes thousands of visitors each day.

“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 association said.

The directives being implemented reportedly include procedural slowdowns and a refusal to cooperate with standard airline operations. The MHRA claimed these measures were clearly designed to create disruption and exert pressure, “with little regard for the broader consequences to the economy and the thousands of Maltese and Gozitans who depend on tourism for their livelihood.”

While emphasising that it fully respects the right of employees to express concerns through legitimate means, the MHRA maintained that such actions “must be exercised responsibly and proportionately, especially when essential public services and national interests are at stake.”

The association urged ALPA to suspend the directives immediately and return to the negotiating table. “Malta cannot afford to have its tourism industry and its international image jeopardised by internal industrial disputes,” it stated.

In addition to backing KM Malta Airlines’ efforts to provide reliable service to travellers, the MHRA also called on the national carrier to begin actively recruiting foreign pilots, signalling a longer-term concern about the sustainability of operations under the current employment structure.

It also issued a public appeal for national unity in supporting the airline: “The MHRA and the country have had enough,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, speaking to MaltaToday, described the action as unfair to both taxpayers and passengers. He placed the blame on what he referred to as pilots’ “greed,” criticising the timing of the dispute at such a sensitive moment for the country’s economy.

As of the time of writing this article, only one flight – the 6:00pm service from Malta to Madrid – has been delayed.