Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539534
THE Malta Hotels and Restau- rants Association (MHRA) has appealed for restraint and con- structive dialogue in the ongoing dispute between KM Malta Air- lines and its employees, warning that industrial action risks inflict- ing serious harm on the country's tourism sector. In a statement on Tuesday, MHRA said it respected the right of pilots and cabin crew to voice their concerns through legiti- mate means, but stressed that such actions must be exercised "responsibly and proportionately, especially when essential public services and the national interest are at stake". The association expressed con- cern over the directives issued by the Airline Pilots Association Malta (ALPA) and the Union of Cabin Crew (UCC), which it said were already causing flight de- lays, operational disruption, and reputational damage to the newly launched airline. With the dispute unfolding dur- ing the peak of the summer tour- ism season, MHRA warned that the consequences could under- mine visitor confidence and Mal- ta's long-term image as a reliable destination. "Malta's air connectivity is not just a business matter, it is a life- line for the economy and for the livelihoods of thousands of Mal- tese and Gozitans," the associa- tion said. MHRA said the Maltese public had already invested hundreds of millions of euros to close down the former Air Malta and es- tablish KM Malta Airlines, safe- guarding jobs in the sector. That investment, it said, must be pro- tected rather than undermined. "Industrial action cannot be- come the default method of ad- dressing differences between management and employees. What may appear as a short-term gain for one side risks becoming a permanent loss for the entire country. If KM Malta Airlines fails, there will be no second chance to retain a national air- line," the statement warned. The association urged govern- ment to step in by setting clear, sustainable wage and employ- ment regulations for the aviation sector. It also called on all parties to act constructively and in the national interest to reach a fair and balanced solution that se- cures Malta's connectivity, pro- tects tourism competitiveness, and safeguards the airline's fu- ture. 5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS NICOLE MEILAK nmeilak@mediatoday.com.mt MHRA urges responsibility in airline dispute to safeguard tourism and KM Malta Airlines Bidnija road rage shooting: Inspector describes LESA vehicle damaged by gunfire A police inspector described the Bidnija road rage crime scene on Tuesday, not- ing blood, bullet casings, and a LESA ve- hicle with a gunshot hole. Mohamed Hamdan, 46, is accused of murdering Jean Paul Busuttil during a road rage incident in Bidnija in the early hours of 29 June. Hamdan, who is also facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm, threaten- ing the victim's relatives, wilful damage, recidivism and destroying evidence, al- ready has a criminal history that includes an attempted murder charge in 2006 and assaults in 2011 and 2013. Prosecutors allege that Hamdan shot Busuttil five times at close range while shouting: "I hope you die, you bastard." During Tuesday's sitting, the court heard a series of LESA control room re- cordings linked to the incident. The first captured Busuttil himself calling for as- sistance and being reassured that units had been dispatched. Subsequent recordings revealed esca- lating violence at the scene. In the final clip, a panicked LESA officer was heard shouting over the radio: "They are shoot- ing. Stop. You're going to kill him. Send an ambulance," as gunfire rang out in the background. A LESA representative testified that communication delays occurred be- cause, at the time, officers had no direct line to police and had to request backup like ordinary citizens. Inspector Wayne Camilleri described the crime scene, where bullet casings and bloodstains were found near two motorcycles and a LESA vehicle hit by gunfire. Busuttil's Volvo was not on site, as he had been driven to hospital by his wife and mother-in-law. He later died at Mater Dei Hospital from massive blood loss caused by gunshot wounds to his leg and neck. Hamdan was arrested at the scene. His son, who later told police he feared his father would "do something extrava- gant", was also questioned. Testimony indicated that after a minor collision with Busuttil's car, Hamdan left the area, returned with a firearm, and opened fire. Busuttil's wife photographed the initial crash, capturing Hamdan in the back- ground. Investigators later discovered 15 bullets hidden in a gym bag at Hamdan's home. He reportedly told officers during the search: "There are bullets, good luck if you find them." Camilleri said Hamdan admitted to acting out of anger, citing frustrations over residence permits and repeated re- jections of firearm licence applications. The case was adjourned to 23 October. Attorney General lawyers Mauro Abela and Kaylie Bonett are prosecuting, while lawyers Arthur Azzopardi, Jacob Magri, and David Farrugia Sacco are appearing for the victim's family. Defence lawyers Nicholas Mifsud and Mario Mifsud are representing Hamdan. Magistrate Astrid May Grima is presid- ing. MAYA GALEA JULIA DOWLING mgalea@mediatoday.com.mt jdowling@mediatoday.com.mt The accused being escorted to court (File Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)