A joint committee made up of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, together with representatives of the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta, Malta International Airport, Malta Hotels & Restaurants Association (MHRA) and Federated Association of Travel & Tourism Agents (FATTA), met to discuss the current situation effecting air travel to Europe.

The position at the moment is as follows:

Air Malta is continuing to add extra flights to those airports that are operational. They are offering all their ticketed clients a change of ticket to any airport that is operational without any extra charges. This facility is also available for ticket holders of airlines that are code-shared with Air Malta and can be done through Air Malta’s Call Centre (Telephone No: 21662211) or at the airport.

It was agreed that the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association would strongly urge its members to exercise flexibility and restraint when extending the stay of stranded guests, and not to charge cancellation fees for clients who are booked at their hotels, but fail to show up due to the current situation.

Maltese passengers who are currently overseas should contact the nearest Maltese Embassy for assistance and to obtain information of extra flights being operated by Air Malta and on ways and means how to reach these destinations. Contact details of embassies can be found on www.foreign.gov.mt

Malta International Airport is in constant contact with other European airports and, in the meantime, has put in place queuing arrangements and Internet facilities to assist those passengers wishing to rebook their flights at the airport.

From the 15th April to date, 434 flight movements have been cancelled, whereas 183 flight movements were operated. This number includes 30 extra flights operated by Air Malta.

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