Updated - Adds reaction by Malta Air Traffic Services - The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has protested that training and pleasure flights are being suspended tomorrow because air conditioning units need to be replaced at the control tower.
It said such works could be carried out at night - as is the case with other works at the airport - meaning there would be less disruption.
The decision, is said, would mean loss of revenue and added costs for aircraft owners and flight training organisations.
"It seems that MATS have taken the position that whenever there is some sort of situation which might result in some increase in workload for Air Traffic Controllers, this category of flights is immediately grounded, at great loss for the companies involved, and an inconvenience to the leisure pilots and students," the association said.
AOPA Malta has submitted a formal complaint to Transport Malta - Civil Aviation Directorate and the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.
MALTA AIR SERVICES REACTION
In a reaction, Malta Air Services said the works due to be held tomorrow could not be carried out during the night.
It said it had planned the works well in advance, taking all necessary measures not to disrupt any scheduled traffic and to create the least inconvenience possible while ensuring safety of operations at all times. The works were also planned with Malta International Airport and the Armed Forces of Malta, with the latter also having agreed to postpone training.
"MATS cannot understand why AOPA is complaining about these works, especially on a week day and when the weather is less favourable," the company said, adding that it assisted AOPA members all year round.
Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association's position
In another statement, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association said it was not complaining about the works but about the authoritarian attitude of grounding a section of flights without adequate thought.
Its complaint was also about the effect this had on the rest of aircraft operators.
“Malta International Airport and the Armed Forces of Malta have been consulted about this restriction but why weren't local flight schools who will lose out financially?
Most of the flight training conducted by these entities takes place in visual flight conditions,” it said also noting that non-scheduled flights operated all week and not just on weekends.