KM Malta AirlinesThe Nationalist Party has demanded urgent answers from transport minister Chris Bonett following revelations published on Newsbook Malta yesterday concerning a serious safety breach at KM Malta Airlines, where two cabin crew members allegedly operated a flight despite failing pre-departure alcohol and drug tests.
The opposition party has submitted eleven detailed questions to the government regarding an incident on 16 April, when two crew members on the Malta-Milan-Rome-Malta flight were permitted to continue working after testing positive for drugs and alcohol during a pre-flight screening.
The Newsbook Malta investigation published on Sunday revealed that the incident was initially kept under wraps until mounting pressure forced KM Malta Airlines management to report the matter to Transport Malta.
The transport regulator has since launched an investigation, though both Transport Malta and the national airline have refused to respond to media inquiries about the case.
The PN statement emphasised that the allegations represent “a serious and unacceptable risk to passenger safety and a major blow to the reputation of Malta’s aviation industry,” coming at a time when safety concerns have already been raised about enforcement failures across Malta’s transport infrastructure.
Central to the opposition’s concerns is the revelation that the flight captain was not informed about the positive test results before departure. Sources told Newsbook Malta that the medical appointee conducting the test gave the captain clearance to operate with the planned crew members despite the failed screening.
The two crew members, a man and woman whose identities Newsbook Malta has chosen not to reveal, were instructed to report to St James Hospital for a second test upon their return from Italy.
The incident prompted the Airline Pilots Association to inform its members about the safety breach and initially advise them not to submit to drug or alcohol screening with the national airline until KM Malta Airlines concluded a policy review. This directive was later lifted after the association received certain “assurances” from airline management.
Perhaps most concerning for aviation safety experts is the reported suspension of random drug and alcohol testing for aircraft crew following the incident. Aviation sources confirmed to Newsbook Malta that such testing is mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency under the Ramp Inspection Programme and applies to all flight and cabin crew members of operators under EASA oversight.
The testing regime screens for a comprehensive range of substances including opioids, cannabinoids, amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, and sedative hypnotics, with alcohol concentration levels not permitted to exceed 0.2 per thousand. Following a positive confirmation test, crew members’ licences or attestations can be suspended or revoked if they are found to be adversely affected by alcohol or drugs.
The Nationalist Party has pressed the government on whether established procedures were followed for the April flight, why the crew members were allowed to operate despite failing the test, and what disciplinary action was taken against both the crew and management personnel who permitted the breach. The party has also questioned whether any service level agreement exists with the medical institution conducting the tests and what immediate steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents.
The opposition’s statement highlighted broader concerns about enforcement across Malta’s transport sector, referencing recent incidents that have raised questions about safety protocols on roads and at sea. The party has called on the government and transport authorities to stop “playing with the safety of the Maltese and Gozitan people” and ensure that travellers can have confidence in safety measures across all transport modes.
Transport Malta deflects responsibility for crew disciplinary action
Transport Malta has responded to criticism over the handling of a KM Malta Airlines incident from 16 April, confirming regulatory breaches whilst deflecting responsibility for crew discipline to other authorities.
The Civil Aviation Directorate’s investigation concluded that KM Malta Airlines “had not fully adhered to internal company procedures and applicable regulatory requirements” regarding the cabin crew incident, resulting in formal findings concerning shortcomings in the airline’s management system.
However, Transport Malta explicitly distanced itself from any disciplinary action against individual crew members, stating this “falls within the remit of the airline’s internal controls and management, which in turn answers to the Ministry of Finance.” The regulator maintained it had fulfilled its obligations by issuing corrective measures according to international standards.
The statement appeared designed to deflect criticism whilst asserting Transport Malta’s commitment to protecting “Malta’s excellent reputation in the aviation industry,” though questions remain about the apparent fragmentation of oversight responsibilities across multiple authorities.
