Manual ice scrapers in use at the airport
On February 14 we were due to leave Malta for Manchester on the 8.10 p.m. Easyjet flight, which was unfortunately delayed due to ice on the wings of the plane. As a consequence, passengers were obliged to sit in the plane, which was on the runway, for...
On February 14 we were due to leave Malta for Manchester on the 8.10 p.m. Easyjet flight, which was unfortunately delayed due to ice on the wings of the plane. As a consequence, passengers were obliged to sit in the plane, which was on the runway, for an hour and 10 minutes.
The captain explained that the ice would have to be removed before he would take off. This was carried out by ground crew who, using ladders to reach the wings, physically scraped the ice away as the captain monitored the work through a cabin window. He explained that Malta International Airport lacked the mechanical equipment to do the work, hence the use of ground staff in the manner referred to. The operation, however, would have been accomplished more rapidly and efficiently through the use of the appropriate machinery.
Malta apparently has an airport conforming to international standards but surely an airport of this calibre should have the facilities to cope with something as basic as ice!