Thursday, 12th November 2009 - 17:13CET

MIA denies hindering Efly operations

Malta International Airport insisted in a statement today that it did not in any way hinder Malta-based airline Efly in its operations.

The statement was issued after the airline partly blamed MIA for its decision to cease scheduled flights to Catania.

"We would like to stress that at no point in time did MIA hinder any Efly operations. Also we reiterate that MIA adheres to regulations and procedures intended to ensure that operational, security and safety measures are upheld," MIA said.

It said it was in its interest to secure the regular operation of flight routes from / to Malta and Efly had always received the necessary support to operate within the parametres set for all carriers without distinction. Al other carriers operated without difficulty on these established conditions, MIA said.

The airport company said it imposed two requirements on persons required to drive airside, namely that they must undergo specific training leading to the issuing of an Airfield Driving Permit and that vehicles must be adequately insured and registered with MIA to operate airside.

"MIA was expected to adopt a fast-track approach with Efly officials which would have compromised secure and safety operations. Efly’s interpretation of the facts is therefore incorrect," MIA said.