The airline clarified that both crew members ultimately tested negative for alcohol and drugs, but their initial results were flagged as ‘non-negative’ due to inconclusive readings. The attending medical practitioner assessed the findings, deemed there was no cause for concern, and cleared both crew members as fit to fly.

KM Malta Airlines stated that it reported the incident to the Civil Aviation Directorate at Transport Malta, which issued a formal finding. The airline subsequently submitted corrective measures, which were accepted by the authority, closing the matter.

The statement follows media reports highlighting that two crew members on a Malta-Milan-Rome-Malta flight were allowed to continue their duties after failing pre-flight substance screening. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Nationalist Party, which has demanded urgent answers from Transport Minister Chris Bonett and Transport Malta. The PN described the case as “a serious and unacceptable risk to passenger safety” and called for clarity on whether procedures were properly followed.

Concerns were also raised over claims that the flight captain was not informed of the test results before departure. The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) had initially advised its members not to submit to further testing until KM Malta Airlines concluded a policy review. This directive was later lifted after assurances were given by airline management.

The government and Transport Malta have yet to respond publicly to the Opposition’s eleven questions regarding the incident and its wider implications for aviation safety enforcement.