Air Mauritius (MK, Mauritius) has denied a report that it is in advanced talks to outsource all of its ground operations to Emirati airport services provider Dnata (Dubai National Air Travel Agency).

"We are not aware of anything like this," a spokesman for the airline informed ch-aviation.

He was commenting on a report by Le Mauricien, citing multiple sources "familiar with the matter", that the initiative was part of a broader strategic overhaul led by parent company Airport Holdings Ltd (AHL), which has been steadily transforming Air Mauritius into a leaner entity.

The report suggested the outsourcing of ground handling services could affect "hundreds" of Air Mauritius employees, from check-in to baggage handling, from ramp assistance to cargo services.

According to Le Mauricien, the outsourcing plan comes amid prolonged industrial tensions with multiple labour disputes pending before the country's Conciliation and Mediation Commission, some unresolved for over two years. Union sources accuse management of delaying tactics, leaving employees in a state of uncertainty.