“Air Malta is studying the potential changes and various possible scenarios that might develop including introducing passenger screening at airports, leaving an empty middle seat onboard aircraft, changing inflight catering and other options,” an Air Malta spokesperson told WhosWho.mt, following reports that a number of US airlines voluntarily chose to fly with middle seats empty to maintain social distancing.

The measure was met with mixed reactions last week, leading people to question whether this could become a government mandated requirement once travel restrictions are eased.

But while some, including Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, have been vocal in their criticism, Malta’s national carrier did not dismiss the possibility, affirming that “it’s clear these changes will have consequences for the operating model of all airlines.” 

Asked whether keeping middle seats empty is a measure that the national airline has entertained independently of any government-imposed mandate, the spokesperson commented, “introducing such procedures would depend on new regulatory measures that might be imposed by health and airport authorities, in addition to other commercial considerations. This will not be any different for privately owned or state-owned airlines.”