Air Malta refers to Mr Michael Cawley’s letter entitled Ryanair’s proposals (TMID, 16 January). Mr Cawley stated: “Ryanair are blocked from opening up other routes by an effective Air Malta veto over the wishes of the government to support further growth of the low cost airline”.

Air Malta is not “blocking” in any way, form or manner, Ryanair from opening other routes to Malta. Mr Cawley knows very well that any EU-registered airline can freely operate anytime and whenever it wants within European Union countries. The decision to operate a route within the EU depends entirely and exclusively on Ryanair. No EU airline has any veto powers.

Air Malta does not enjoy any privileges over Ryanair, least of all a veto on the Irish airline decisions on which routes to fly and how often.

Air Malta’s position on the issue of low-cost airlines was always very simple, clear and logical. The airline insisted and still insists on having a level playing field in the market.

STEPHEN GAUCI

Section Head Public Relations

Marketing & Product Department

Air Malta