Air Malta denies passengers took over PA system, says it was ‘controlled’ procedure

Air Malta has denied that passengers onboard a Milan to Malta flight on Sunday took over the plane’s PA system, adding that the crew were acting to “please our passengers within safety and operational procedures.”

The Malta Independent online yesterday published a video, sent by disgusted passengers, who claimed that a group of rowdy football fans had taken over the in-flight public address system to party with their friends.

Soon after seeing the video online, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis expressed his concern in a short comment to The Malta Independent, promising action. “I am very concerned about this incident. I expect management to verify the facts and check if any security and safety airline protocols or others were breached. Should any breach result, further action will ensue,” he said.

Later, Air Malta said it had suspended the crew pending further investigations. “Although our staff constantly seeks ways to make the passengers comfortable and make the trip memorable at all times, the strict rules have to be adhered to,” the airline said in a statement. “Air Malta has had an impeccable record for over 40 years and takes its safety and security very seriously. The airline is appalled at the apparent breaches and lack of professionalism shown by members of the crew as seen in a clip uploaded online today. The airline has immediately suspended the crew of the flight pending further investigations.”

But, in a second statement in the evening, the airline said no breach was found and the suspension had been lifted.

“The management felt obliged to investigate and temporarily

The popular route is commonly busy with Maltese football enthusiasts who take short breaks to watch live matches in northern Italy. Last Sunday’s flight from Linate was crowded with Juventus and Milan supporters returning after watching the match on Friday between the two football giants in which Juventus beat Milan 2-1.

At one point during the flight, a passenger managed to get access to the flight’s PA system and announced his friend’s birthday, asking other passengers to join in the celebration.

Passengers who spoke to this newsroom vented their frustration at the charade which unfolded in front of their eyes, describing the scene as a “village feast outing (xalata) or a tour operator bus, where colourful characters usually take to the megaphone to cheer their fellow friends.”

“One would have expected the flight cabin crew or the captain to stop this idiot from taking over the PA system but the situation got worse,” another angry passenger told this newsroom.

Following the birthday greetings a Juventus anthem of sorts was loudly played on the flight PA system irritating other passengers whose plans were to spend the short flight in tranquility.

Among these were also tourists who travelled to Malta for business and/or pleasure. Aircraft operators usually distribute free earphones to passengers precisely to avoid such nuisance from audio-visual content which may disturb other passengers.

One of the passengers who spoke to The Malta Independent admitted that she feared a fight could break out during the flight considering that there were Milan fans on board, who were still upset about the lastminute Juventus winning penalty-goal. “This surely goes against in-flight security procedures,” she exclaimed.

One would have expected the flight cabin crew or the captain to stop this idiot from taking over the PA system but the situation got worse