Perhaps stating that connectivity is a must sounds like a cliche in this day and age. We are used to visiting other countries, studying abroad and even welcoming tourists to our shores, but the truth is that all of this would not be possible without adequate connectivity.
The unprecedented times of the pandemic heightened this reality. The several restrictions brought about by the pandemic had a disruptive effect on travel and tourism. Whilst the tourism demand and tourist numbers are on the increase, the challenges in the travel sector have persisted. Indeed, for the last weeks we have been facing many delays, lost luggage and even last minute cancellations of flights, not to mention skyrocketing prices.
Stakeholders are currently pointing towards the lack of staff to keep up with the increased demand after the pandemic as a main reason for this. When flights stopped, and airports became no-go areas, many people who were employed with airlines or airports were either laid off or put on reduced pay – meaning that some of these employees even opted to look for alternative employment. However, when travelling demand started rising again, airports and airlines soon discovered that the workforce they had left was nowhere near enough for them to ensure proper service.
As the only Maltese MEP who forms part of the Transport and Tourism Committee and who was connectivity at heart, I was quick to exert pressure in this regard. Some days ago, I asked the European Commission a series of questions with the intention of pushing it to take action on the matter. Firstly, I emphasised that it is important to engage with relevant stakeholders, including airlines and airport operators, in order to address the current reality. The setting up a contingency plan is also a must in this regard. Secondly, we must also investigate whether the practices taken up by stakeholders are fair and whether the lack of staff issue can lead to dwindling safety levels for workers and passengers alike. Ultimately, we must ensure freedom of movement vis-a-vis all European citizens – including those hailing from remote areas and islands like ours. It is no secret that people hailing from islands and peripheral regions are limited geographically when it comes to travel options, and high ticket prices affect them even more. For this reason, this situation must be addressed imminently and without undue delay.
For this to effectively take place, it is essential that we recognise the importance of continuous consultation and coordination with the relevant stakeholders. Indeed, this week I met several local stakeholders in the field, including Air Malta, to get a better understanding of their views on the matter. Subsequently, I actively participated in a discussion with the European Commission on the current airport disruptions in the EU. Whilst I welcome the fact that my pressure with my colleagues in the Transport Committee finally led to this meeting with the Commission, we must now continue pressing for effective action in this regard, not only in the short term but also for the longer term. This situation concerns far too many workers and consumers, and is once again affecting the transport on tourism industry on which a lot families depend.
At European level, I will make sure to keep raising this subject over and over again until solutions come into place. After all, connectivity and affordable travel is a question of free movement and social justice for our citizens!
Dr Josianne Cutajar is a Member of the European Parliament