Malta International defends fee structure

Malta International Airport stated its airport fees amount to an average of EUR19.89 per passenger, which it claims are "well within" the European average (Times of Malta, 09-Jul-2011). Malta International also said its charges were divided into fixed and variable. Fixed charges included landing and parking, whereas variable fees, passenger and security fees, are based on number of filled seats. The airport said the variable component benefits airlines as they can match costs with demand. Malta International has been the subject of criticism by Air Malta's pilot union, which claims "excessive" fees at the airport are part of the airline's struggles.