Air Malta has vigorously denied reports that it is selling its slots at London Heathrow and Gatwick as part of its restructuring plan.
Chief executive Peter Davies said: "Air Malta's airport slots at primary airports including Heathrow and Gatwick are not for sale. The sale of slots is not even mentioned in the restructuring plan presented to the EU Commission and this option is not being considered. Both destinations continue to be key strategic routes for Air Malta."
However Air Malta's restructuring plan does refer to the release of slots at other airports in line with its plan to reduce flight capacity by 20.2%. The airline stated that only one flight rotation to Heathrow was last summer reduced on an unpopular Saturday evening flight, while it was still offering a daily service to Gatwick.