Delayed flights do not help Air Malta’s reputation, President of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association Tony Zahra warned in comments given to The Malta Independent, however, he said that he has been informed that “more aircraft are coming in for the next year."

“We have spoken to Air Malta ourselves, the situation will improve in the winter,” he continued.

Flight delays have become a common occurrence for Air Malta flights this summer, following the government’s growth strategy for the airline, which has already seen improved sales.

Air Malta Chairman Charles Mangion recently addressed the issue at the signing of a joint-venture agreement with Ryanair, saying that while some issues with delays did occur this summer, most were related to external issues. 

Asked whether there were concerns that the national airline will be able to compete with growing foreign competition, Zahra stressed the importance of Air Malta as the cornerstone of the tourism industry in Malta.

“Let’s make it clear, the reason we have a tourism industry is because of Air Malta. It will be here in the good and here in the bad,” he continued.

Zahra did praise the MHRA’s renewal of a sponsorship agreement with Air Malta, emphasising that it was important to support the national airline, which he reiterated was the key to greater tourism growth.