French ride-hailing app Heetch closes shop in Malta just six months after launch

French ride-hailing app Heetch has stopped its operations in Malta with immediate effect, after just six months since its launch.

Upon opening the Heetch app, users are immediately notified that it is not available in Malta (pictured below).

“Due to unexpected developments since Heetch opened its app in Malta, the decision has been taken to close the app with immediate effect,” it said in a Telegram chat to its drivers on Tuesday, published on LovinMalta.

“All payments due to drivers will be paid as usual together with any bonuses that have been earned to date,” it said, before adding “Should there be anything wrong with your last payment please get in touch with support directly through the app.”

It proceeded to thank its drivers for “being part of the Heetch team,” also wishing them all the best in “their future endeavours”.

The app’s introduction to Malta in January came during a wave of new cab and ride-hailing apps arriving to the country, with the likes of eCabs, Bolt, Cool, Ryde, Hicabs, and Bonju all in operation. Additionally, global ride-hailing giant Uber also joined the Maltese market last month.

Heetch still operates in France, Algeria, Angola, Belgium, Morocco, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast.