Call for decision on low-cost airlines

The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprise, GRTU, yesterday appealed to the government to start negotiating "directly and seriously" with Ryanair rather than going through intermediaries.

The GRTU warned the government that its procrastination over the low-cost airlines issue would signal a further reduction in tourists.

It urged the government to intervene over what it described as the hefty landing charges at Malta International Airport.

Ryanair's proposal to the government to grant discounts in relation to the number of passengers carried should be encouraged as it would entice other airlines to start operating to Malta, it said in a statement.

"The GRTU is expecting concrete action from the government, as the uncertainty is hurting operators and ridiculing Malta," it said.