From Mr R. Cassar

There has recently been a spate of correspondence and newspaper articles about the introduction of “low-cost airlines” to Malta.

The general impression the public has is that the Maltese government is not permitting these airlines to operate to Malta in order to protect Air Malta, and this to the detriment of the

general public. The average

citizen is asking, “Why should I have to pay high fares so that

Air Malta keeps flying?”

Apparently, not many people know the facts on this issue. Any EU airline has the right to operate to Malta. It does not need to ask the government for permission. Therefore Ryanair, Easyjet or any other EU airline is perfectly free to fly to Malta.

Why do they not do so, and seize the whole market thanks to their lower fares? Because they want advantageous airport charges so that Malta can have the privilege of hosting them. However, MIA and the

government would be in breach of EU competition rules if they charged different fees for the same service on the same route.

Most people will base their impressions on rumours and what they can glean from the media. It would obviously be desirable if impressions were based on facts, rather than

misconceptions.

Romano Cassar

NAXXAR