Air Malta said today that guide dogs can now travel with their owners on all of its flights.

The updated policy was drawn up after discussions held between Leone Sciberras, Chairman of the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation (MGDF), and Fabian Mizzi, Air Malta’s Passenger Handling Executive 

The discussion to allow assistance dogs on Air Malta flights started a number of years ago under the first Chairman of the MGDF, the late Ron Colombo.

As Mr Sciberras explained: “When Air Malta first allowed guide dogs to travel in the cabin of their flights, there were very few such dogs in Malta but the figure has now gone up to 13 in Malta and Gozo, and that figure is set to rise in the coming years. We thank Air Malta for having made this step forward and I have no doubt that the policy can be reviewed to keep up with the times.”

There was also consultation with the European Guide Dog Federation and the Assistance Dogs Europe, represented by Mark Van Gelder.

Mr Mizzi said the airline felt the need to update its policy because it is confident that, so long as the dog meets the full membership criteria of the International Guide Dog Federation or Assistance Dog International and the dog is well trained, it will pose no risk to other travelling passengers.

“Recognised Assistance Dogs include guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs that assist persons with disability or reduced mobility other than visual or hearing impairment.” 

For a full version of the policy go to http://www.airmalta.com/information/customer-support/special-assistance/carriage-of-assistance-dogs