Fifteen captains have departed Malta’s national airline in March, marking a significant loss of experience amid an ongoing dispute between the Government and the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) Malta over career progression and recruitment policies.

In a statement, ALPA Malta said the departing captains collectively represent over 450 years of experience and more than 300,000 flight hours with the national airline. The union noted that many of these pilots also played a key role in training and mentoring the next generation of aviators.

“These are professionals who have dedicated a substantial part of their careers to Maltese aviation, with a high level of competence and responsibility,” the union said, adding that for many, their departure will mean pursuing opportunities outside Malta.

The development comes against the backdrop of a protracted standoff between ALPA and the Government, centred on concerns that the recruitment of foreign direct-entry captains could limit promotion opportunities for Maltese first officers.

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has repeatedly insisted that he will not revise the terms of the existing agreement governing pilots’ conditions, which was negotiated during the transition from Air Malta to KM Malta Airlines and is expected to remain in force until 2028.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Caruana stated he would “not budge an inch” on what was agreed, stressing that all parties were aware of the terms at the time. He has also indicated that the airline may recruit pilots from abroad if necessary, rejecting calls to amend the deal.

ALPA Malta, however, has argued that such an approach risks sidelining Maltese talent and undermining long-term career pathways within the national airline. The union has previously questioned whether the current direction could discourage locally trained pilots from remaining in the industry.

The dispute dates back to the 2024 restructuring of Air Malta, which saw pilots transition to new fixed-term contracts under the newly established KM Malta Airlines. Tensions escalated in 2025 when ALPA issued industrial directives, although these were later withdrawn to allow for continued dialogue.

Opposition figures, including Ivan Castillo, have warned that the situation could lead to a shortage of experienced personnel if pilots increasingly seek employment abroad due to limited advancement opportunities.

While the Government maintains that the agreement must be upheld to ensure stability, the union has continued to advocate for measures that protect the progression of Maltese first officers into captain roles.

In its latest statement, ALPA Malta thanked the departing captains for their service and wished them success in the next stage of their careers, highlighting their longstanding contribution to Maltese aviation.

The latest departures follow a similar trend in March 2025, when ten captains left the airline, underscoring ongoing concerns about retention and workforce planning within the sector.