The Times Editorial 16th February 2009

Monday, 16th February 2009

Editorial

The pros and cons of an airstrip in Gozo

Periodically, the issue surfaces of whether there should be an airstrip in Gozo capable of taking fixed-wing aircraft. Gozo can be reached by air either by seaplane, as is happening now from the Grand Harbour, or by helicopter, as was the case for some time. The commercial helicopter service - more than one attempt was made - ceased in 2005 and the only access now by rotor blade aircraft is when the Armed Forces of Malta's Air Wing is called upon in an emergency.

Are the arrangements now in place adequate to meet Gozo's requirements? Is there really a need for a fixed-wing airstrip in Gozo capable of ferrying passengers quickly between Malta and Gozo?

The arguments in favour of some form of airstrip in Gozo for fixed-wing aircraft focus on one key factor: the economic and tourism benefits of having a regular, efficient and reliable service between the two islands. For these reasons, the Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo Business Chamber - together with one or two entrepreneurial proponents - have been at the forefront of such proposals. The government and the Gozo Ministry have opted for a more guarded approach.

It is argued that a seaplane operation cannot function when it is dark or the sea is rough. It stops flying in the winter months for these reasons but also, presumably, because it is not financially viable to operate in the lean, off-tourism winter months.

On the other hand, the arguments against the airstrip proposal come down to three. Would a year-round fixed-wing operation be commercially viable? What would be the social and environmental impact? And does Gozo really need it, anyway?

The commercial argument is central but, in a sense, should not be the over-riding consideration for the government. A commercial carrier would weigh up the business risks of undertaking such a venture. It would benefit from commercial success and would go to the wall if the venture failed. Either way, it would be no skin off the government's nose.

The social and environmental impact is more sensitive and more difficult to weigh up. The extension of the helipad at Xewkija by building a short runway would undoubtedly have environmental repercussions.

There would be a loss of agricultural land to development, or - if the idea of using the secondary road behind the heliport were adopted - a further extension of what is essentially an industrial footprint in the heart of what is being branded as an "ecological island".

The real imponderable, however, is what a regular and extended air link would do to Gozo's special, if not unique, attraction today as an island that is rather unspoilt, quiet and "behind the times", though not in a negative sense. Is there a danger that opening up Gozo to that kind of commercial air link would succeed in its objective of maximising tourism income at the cost of destroying the unique selling point of Gozo as a slightly mysterious island apart, ultimately undermining the very tourism it was seeking to attract?

In making a judgement on the best way ahead for Gozo one must beware the law of unintended consequences. Is a fixed-wing link truly needed? On balance, it is difficult not to feel that such an operation may be desirable although it may not be essential. It is also hard to demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that the present arrangements are undermining Gozo's core tourism business. On the contrary, it could be argued that by keeping Gozo slightly more difficult to reach, it actually enhances it.