Transport problems at the airport ease

Transport problems at the airport have eased, with a greater number of private coach owners deciding to operate services, informed sources said this afternoon.

The coach owners stopped working yesterday following a decision by the Unscheduled Bus Service. There were incidents at the airport yesterday afternoon when some transport workers tried to stop private vehicles from offering services. A number of arrests were made and some people were taken to court.

The police have stationed a large contingent of officers at the airport after having deployed the SAG on the approach roads earlier today. The SAG later stood down.

A number of passengers missed their flights this morning because of blocked roads, and Air Malta said it was making arrangements for them to take alternative flights. The airline said it strongly condemned the actions of a number of individuals who are jeopardising the livelihood of thousands of workers in the tourism industry during the peak season.

"These actions also come at a time when the Maltese Islands have started reaping the benefits of hard work and huge investments done by Air Malta and the MTA in overseas marketing campaigns in these last years."

Meanwhile Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has taken direct control of the situation in coordination with Transport Minister Austin Gatt, Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mario de Marco, Brig. Carmel Vassallo and Police Commissioner John Rizzo.