KM Malta Airlines has warned it may pursue legal action against its pilots’ union and individual members over industrial measures that came into effect Monday morning. The airline said it is reserving the right to take legal action to recover any financial losses caused by the union’s directives, which it described as disproportionate to the issues at hand.

According to the Times of Malta, the warning was issued as the Airline Pilots’ Association (ALPA) began a series of measures that could cause delays and disruption during the peak of the summer travel season.

The dispute stems from KM Malta Airlines’ plans to recruit external pilots with greater flying experience, a move that current first officers believe could reduce their chances of promotion. The issue is rooted in legacy agreements made during the airline’s transition from Air Malta, when many senior pilots accepted early retirement packages in return for fixed-term contracts. With those contracts now expiring, the company is moving to secure its future staffing needs, prompting concern among internal crew members.

Pilots currently work without a collective agreement, as none has been signed since KM Malta Airlines launched in March 2024. Negotiations are still at a preliminary stage, and pilots remain bound by individual contracts issued during the transition.

The industrial action includes several directives designed to apply pressure without breaching contractual obligations. Pilots have been instructed not to allow passengers to board until the aircraft has been fully fuelled. They have also been told to attend pre-flight briefings only during their assigned duty times and not to accept any changes to their planned rosters outside of those hours. Those assigned to standby duty can only be contacted during their official standby time.