The Nationalist Party said today it was concerned by the news that Air Malta will stop flying to Frankfurt. It said it could never agree with the decision to stop flights to one of Europe’s main hubs, which was also an important source for operators, particularly those who work in the German market.
The PN said there was a high demand for these flights, particularly from local operators. Instead of axing this route, the government and Air Malta should increase its carrying capacity.
This was a result of the decision to decrease the Air Malta fleet – a bad decision that put severe limitations on the national airline. In fact this was not the first route to be axed, the PN said, noting that Air Malta had also stopped flying to Berlin and Gatwick.
The PN said that instead of making rash decisions the government should seek to collaborate and take decisions within a long-term strategy.
The statement was signed by Economy Shadow Minister Claudio Grech and Tourism Spokesperson Antoine Borg.
Government reacts
The government has said that the opposition tries at every turn to cause damage when it comes to decisions surrounding Malta's national airline.
"The management board and the Air Malta Directors are taking decisions that are needed in the competitive European airline sector in order to keep Air Malta on its feet".
"It was under the PN administration that the airline was brought to the brink of bankruptcy, and resulted in the airline’s restructuring programme where a number of routes had to be cut".
"Government will look ahead when it comes to Air Malta, and will continue ensuring the commercial viability of the airline".