Malta’s national airline, KM Malta Airlines, is facing a serious safety scandal after failing to cancel a flight and allowing two cabin crew members—who tested positive for alcohol and drugs—to remain on duty before the Valletta–Rome flight on 16 April.
Following public exposure of the incident, Malta’s Nationalist Party (PN) heavily criticised the Minister for Transport, raising a critical question:
“How were crew members with positive test results allowed to board the aircraft?”
PN officials questioned whether the flight’s captain had been informed of the test results, whether KM Malta Airlines’ safety department had been notified, and what administrative and disciplinary measures had been taken in response. The party emphasised that the violation was not just an internal company issue but also damaged Malta’s international aviation reputation.
Official Statement: Procedures Not Followed
Malta’s Ministry of Transport shared preliminary findings from an investigation conducted by the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD). The report revealed that KM Malta Airlines failed to fully comply with internal procedures and applicable regulatory obligations.
The airline acknowledged these deficiencies and submitted corrective measures to the relevant authorities. It was also stated that disciplinary actions fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, meaning the Ministry of Transport does not have direct authority to intervene.
“Zero Tolerance for Safety Breaches”
In a joint statement, PN’s Shadow Minister for Transport Mark Anthony Sammut, Shadow Tourism Minister Mario de Marco, and Shadow Maritime Minister Ivan Castillo gave the following clear message regarding aviation safety:
“Public safety must never be compromised. A zero-tolerance policy should be enforced for such violations.”
Transport Malta released a separate statement reaffirming its strict adherence to international aviation safety standards and strongly condemned any attempt to undermine Malta’s high standing in the aviation sector.
Ongoing Fallout
In the aftermath of the scandal, KM Malta Airlines is expected to review its internal audit and safety procedures. The incident continues to reverberate both within the industry and among the public. Experts suggest that this breach may prompt European aviation authorities to more closely scrutinise Malta’s oversight practices.
