Updated 7.10pm - Added government statement

Sponsorship wrangles which have threatened to cancel this year's edition of the Malta International Airshow will be ironed out, the Tourism Ministry has hinted. 

In a statement issued this evening, the ministry said that the airshow was an important contributor to the country's attractiveness as a tourism destination and that the government was committed to backing it. 

"As happens every year, the necessary documents are being evaluated and the sponsorship will be settled at the necessary moment," the ministry statement read. 

Airshow organisers had earlier said that they had put preparations for this year's edition on hold while they awaited settlement of last year's government sponsorship.

This year's airshow would be the 25th edition of the popular event, organised by the Malta Aviation Society.

Last September, the airshow's aerial display was held over Smart City on the basis of the sponsorship promised by the Tourism Ministry, which wanted the show moved to the seaside, where it was free for all spectators, causing a drop in revenue for the organisers.  

In its statement, the Tourism Ministry said that the decision to move the airshow to the seaside was taken to ensure the public's safety throughout the event. 

Over the years, the show regularly drew large crowds for its static and aerial displays, having brought to Malta well known aerobatic teams such as the Red Arrows as well as top-of-the-range fighter, transport and patrol aircraft and helicopters from many countries.

Safety precautions have always been taken but the show was always dogged by complaints about noise from people bordering the airport.