MHRA slams pilot union’s directives during Malta’s peak season

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has warned that the latest industrial directives issued by the Airline Pilots Association Malta (ALPA) and the Union of Cabin Crew (UCC), are 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,” the MHRA said in a statement. 

It called for constructive dialogue with the government through legitimate channels. 

In August, ALPA claimed that it was engaged in an industrial dispute with KM Malta Airlines about the national airline’s push to upgrade First Officers without having spent enough time with the company.

This has led to airline pilots adopting various ALPA directives, such as not reviewing flight paperwork outside of work hours and not accepting any roster changes outside those they are contractually obliged to.

“The 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,” the tourism union stressed.

“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 MHRA added that 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 called on the Government to move swiftly to establish “clear and sustainable” wage and employment regulations for the aviation sector. 

At the same time, it urged 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.