Maltese charter carrier Maleth-Aero (MLT, Malta International) and cruise giant Carnival have adjusted the values of their claims and counterclaims in an ongoing legal battle in the London Circuit Commercial Court over the cost of and payments for a series of Caribbean charter flights.
According to the latest documents in the case (LM-2024-000190) filed with the UK High Court of Justice, Carnival has reduced its claim against Maleth-Aero from USD4 million to USD3.8 million. In turn, the charter carrier has dropped its claims against Carnival from USD3.7 million to USD2.8 million.
The case stems from two air charter agreements signed in July 2023 for flights between the UK and the Caribbean conducted between November 2023 and March 2024.
Carnival initially sued to recover USD3.3 million, arguing Maleth-Aero overcharged for catering, alcohol, and other expenses outside the contracts. It claimed it had paid USD1.2 million under duress after Maleth-Aero threatened to suspend its services.
Maleth-Aero countered that Carnival is liable for unforeseen costs, including catering, alcohol, baggage fees, and a December 2023 flight diversion to Bermuda. It alleged that the cruise line was unjustly enriched at its expense.
According to the latest amended claims, Maleth-Aero argues that Carnival still owes about USD798,377 as of July 9, 2025, rising by USD1,229 per day, on the basis that the airline retains Carnival's security deposit of more than USD2 million.
In addition, Maleth-Aero has reduced its initial claims for fuel rate adjustments, late payment obligations, and catering, but upped its claims for alcohol consumption and the flight diversion.
The case continues. ch-aviation has contacted both parties for comment.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Transportation Agency ordered the suspension on August 16 of Maleth-Aero’s charter licence for flights between Malta and Canada, pending a renewal of its liability insurance. The licence will automatically be cancelled if not reinstated within a year.
