Airport rejects airline's claims

The Malta International Airport yesterday rejected allegations made by low-cost airline Efly, saying that it had not hindered the airline's operations in any way and was simply sticking to its own rules.

Efly, which briefly operated a route between Malta and Catania, had alleged that MIA made it "next to impossible" for the company's service vehicles to access the aircraft and delayed the issue of entry permits to its technical staff.

After reviewing the situation, Efly suspended its operations.

But MIA yesterday said it adhered "to regulations and procedures intended to ensure that operational, security and safety measures are upheld", adding that other carriers flying to and from Malta had no problems operating under such conditions.

Employees operating on the airfield also had to obtain an Airfield Driving Permit and vehicles operating had to be registered and insured with the airport, therefore Efly's vehicles could not be used, MIA added.