MIA has said that as the flight situation at Malta International Airport has now regained normality to permit the resumption of air services without endangering the safety of operations, and with no cancellations having been registered, that it is now opportune to take stock of the Icelandic volcanic ash effect on the aviation industry in Malta.

“In the last week, 336 flights to and from Malta were cancelled, resulting in a loss of around 35,000 passenger movements for MIA. MIA Chief Executive Officer, Julian Jaeger said that over the past week MIA deployed additional staff to ensure smooth queue management and deal with constant customer requests for information. MIA also set up more free internet access terminals for passengers to be able to re-book their travel arrangements online and offered complimentary refreshments and respite facilities for mothers with infants.”

He added that notwithstanding the decrease in passenger movements, MIA does not at present deem it opportune to alter its forecast for the year, although it will be monitoring the ongoing effect until necessary and will review the situation as usual around mid-July. It is noteworthy that meanwhile, Airmalta has operated 60 relief flights, Thomson Fly operated four (4) extra flights, and easyJet, Fly LAL, Jet Time and Thomas Cook operated two (2) extra flights each in an effort to alleviate the backlog of stranded passengers.

Moreover, the MIA CEO reiterated that in these exceptional circumstances, Airmalta’s contribution was evidently crucial to assist stranded passengers within the limits of operational safety. Mr Jaeger said this highlights – if there was ever any need – the strategic importance of the national airline for connectivity of the Maltese Islands with the world beyond.

He also added that it seems that Europe may not have been prepared to deal with such an eventuality and now that the adverse situation is clearing, civil aviation authorities across Europe are expected to strive harder in order to devise a plan to deal with similar incidents in the future.

“I would like to thank all MIA staff as well as the staff of all other stakeholders affected by this disruption for their concerted efforts to assist all our clients who were left stranded in these extraordinary circumstances dictated by natural events taking place thousands of kilometres away from Malta,” concluded Mr Jaeger.

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