The Partit Demokratiku has expressed concern over developments in the Air Malta saga.

"Persistent news that Air Malta is cutting strategically important routes in the UK and Germany; down sizing its fleet and losing ground handling contracts paint a very bleak picture indeed," the PD said.

"In a time where we have seen an explosion in incoming tourists and business travellers due to the unfavourable situation in our neighbouring and rival countries for this business, it would be expected that our national airline would be thinking big not small."

"In the global business environment, and in the aviation industry, those who have thrived were those who expanded. We question how, when at the beginning of the administration Air Malta was close to breaking even, in this boom period it finds itself in a deeper financial hole."

"Malta is strategically placed to be an air route hub to South America, North America, the Near East and Africa. We urge the government and Air Malta to think outside the box, rope in local and foreign partners who have Air Malta's survival at heart and devise a plan that sees our National Airline grow and thrive, not wither and die."