Ponte Ferries has said that it is determined to resolve its current situation – where they claim to have been blocked by a legal challenge from using the port of Augusta in Sicily – “in the shortest possible time.”
In a statement, Ponte Ferries said that it “is continuing to assist customers after it was forced to delay the launch of its ferry service to Italy due to last minute contestations to its use of the port in Augusta from a competing local operator.”
Ponte Ferries are yet to name the said “local operator” in any of its statements, but competitors Virtu Ferries have denied making any legal challenge – saying instead that Ponte Ferries had simply not received the go-ahead from Italian authorities to use Augusta as a port, but had taken bookings anyway knowing that they may not have been able to offer the service.
Ponte not being able to use Augusta has left hundreds of passengers in a lurch, with Ponte saying that customers wishing to proceed with their holiday plans are being booked onto flights to Catania, while those who preferred to delay their trip are being fully refunded and in addition are being offered a voucher to use the service for free over the next 12 months.
“Ponte staff have been on hand at both Malta International Airport and Catania airport to assist customers during the check in process”, the statement reads.
A spokesman for Ponte said: “We cannot apologise enough to our customers for this unexpected turn of events. We understand their disappointment and are working round the clock to assist them. We have already ensured that a significant number did not miss out on their planned holidays and will continue to do so in the coming days.
“Meanwhile, we remain more determined than ever to ensure customers are offered a choice of operators on the Malta-Sicily ferry route and hope to resolve this situation in the shortest possible time.”
Ponte has set up a helpline for customers, who may call 2799 8989 for assistance with their bookings, refunds and vouchers or e-mail [email protected]