Yes it was all in one ticket as said air Malta transferred them onto and different flight meaning they also had to change their connecting flight also
their new connecting flight from Zurich was with Swiss air as I did state.
Checking Swiss air website for check in time they state their gates closed 45 mins before departure so Not sure 40 mins connection time was enough.
Air malta have stated they have no agreement with Swiss air so that is why their luggage was not check through, so air Malta booked them onto a flight knowing they wouldn't make it.
She did ask questions asking for a hotel and vouchers but again advised as their is no agreement then they didn't need to.