Who is pressing for the Gozo airstrip?

From The Times:

General Aviation operators are calling on the government to declare its position on proposals for the building of an airstrip for small piston engined aircraft in Gozo. A retired Royal Air Force officer and private consultant on general aviation has also, on his initiative, been giving presentations to the Gozo Business Chamber and other bodies on the benefits of Gozo having an airstrip, and how this could be brought about.

Roy Perry said the recent explosion in fuel prices should have further hammered home the fact that any air link with Gozo has to use small fixed wing aircraft, rather than helicopters, which were far more expensive to run. They also make more noise. He first formulated a plan to supplement the helicopter service in 1997 so that Gozo could have direct access to Sicily and Tunisia in addition to a fast and efficient link to Malta International Airport.

“I have studied the idea for many years and believe that the use of small commuter aircraft with no more than 19 passengers and operating at the same frequency as the 1996 helicopters will benefit all who visit and live in Gozo,” he told timesofmalta.com.

Victor Mercieca, a general aviation pilot, said that what was being proposed was the building of a 1,000 metre runway facing North West near the existing helipad and parallel to the road leading to the new sewage treatment plant (picture). The helipad would become an apron and the existing terminal building would be retained.

He did not feel the helipad itself should be extended, for various reasons including the proximity of buildings in Ghajnsielem

“It is a pity that no government has ever taken general aviation seriously. It is a huge industry in Europe and one which Malta and Gozo can benefit from. Just look at what Lampedusa have done. This can become a new gateway for Gozo. There are obvious tourism benefits. And a scheduled air service between Malta and Gozo will cost a third of the operating costs of a helicopter and provide a more flexibility, reliable and efficient service.”

Mr Mercieca said he knew of people who had shown an interest in investing in such an airstrip if a long lease agreement could be reached with the government, possibly a public-private partnership.

Roberto Benetti, another pilot, said Gozo was a tourist destination that cried out for an air strip like small islands such as Lampedusa, Pantelleria, Marina di Campo. “We are not talking jumbo jets here, but small aircraft. Frankly I cannot understand what the controversy is all about. An airstrip will lead to quality tourism and general aviation growth. The market is there, I know from personal experience. Gozo can be put in the itinerary of commuter companies which operate to various small islands.”

He suggested the government convene a committee of local pilots and other interested people to push the project forward.

Leading Gozitan businessman John Magro said he backed all forms of accessibility to Gozo. “I would like Gozo to be better linked to the rest of the world, not just Malta. Of course, we need to protect the environment, but we are not talking of some Boeing here. Compromises are found all over the world, and I am sure we can in Gozo as well,” he said.

The Gozo Business Chamber last year also called for existing facilities to be extended so that small fixed-wing aircraft could operate to Gozo.

A government spokesman when questioned did not rule anything out but was non-committal.

“The option for a new air link operation between Malta and Gozo remains open and given the right sustainable business case the government will not exclude anything.

“Any decision will be taken in view of the government's strong commitment to the environment and the economic growth of Gozo that relies on sustainable tourism for its prosperity, which is at the heart of the 'ecological island' concept."

And some of the comments below make an interesting reading:

Comments

Victor G.mercieca (on 2/6/08)

An example of an ECO Island airstrip please visit www.ladyelliot.com.au

Roy Perry (on 2/6/08)

I wish to thank all of you who have commented. I will make some brief points of clarification.
1. Will somebody please take me to see the cart ruts and Roman remains in the area so that they can be identified and protected?
2. There could be cultural benifits if an investor would give something back to Gozo, for example, to restore and put back into use the nearby Medaeival Chapel of St. Cecilia which is not being cared for.
3. The land it is proposed to use is derelict, strewn with heaps of builders rubble, rusting trucks and trailers.
4. The seaplane is NOT an option for persons travelling from MIA to Gozo, they will only carry 10Kgs of baggage and are not suitable for the elederly (nor will they carry a Guide Dog)
5. Perhaps a referendum is too strong a word. 18 months ago Malta Surveys carried out a questionnaire of just 342 persons.
6. There are other aspects of the plan that will benefit Gozo. A reservoir for the beleagured farmers, training for aviators, exciting aerial events to thrill spectators.=

Victor G.Mercieca (on 31/5/08)

Just few lines after reading all these comments from people living across the 2 sister islands of approval & disapproval to basically transforming a derelict Heliport into a small operational airfield, an airstrip pretty much like any road which can also be a grass runway too, not to upset the sentiments of the archaelogists & environmentalists, it can retain the status quo of the location. (Nobody complained about the uncompleted horse race track project that destroyed very arable land in the heart of Gozo?) It seems to me that most of the people who disapprove are retired or do not have the need to commute across the channel, or the have some hidden interest to keep things from evolving for the common good, this project is aimed in making Gozo very accessible from MIA & from as many other small airfields across Europe & beyond. General Aviation is a huge industry that will put Gozo on the MAP, it has missed out on at least 40 years of light aviation services depriving many from comfortable commuting in shorter times, for work or pleasure needs....usually you people object out of Egoism, Short Sighteness,Fear of change,Misconceptions or have no idea why ecc...

D. Gauci (on 30/5/08)

The minute somebody mentiones that there should be a referendum in Gozo about it, to me it means, Gozo is a republic. I don't recall we having a referendum for sliema residents whether to allow high rise (very ugly) flats. A referendum amongst M'scala or Maltese residents only to have a recycling plant there. ...the story goes on for other places..Mount Maghtab, hotels in bugibba, etc..
When are you people going to realise that the Gozitans alone do not have more right to Gozo over the Maltese as much as us Maltese have more right over Malta than the Gozitans. I would get quite offended if somebody said...this thing is in Malta and Gozitans should not interfere., its none of their business. The same goes the other way round. What about Comino ? Who decides there ? The one family of 3 members who reside there ? Lets make arguments that unite us Maltese (including Gozitans who some might have forgotten they are Maltese people) rather than arguments that devide us. Why not have a referendum amongst Gozitans on whether Maltese should have a visa issued to go to Gozo ?

David Saliba (on 30/5/08)

While agreeing that an Airstrip in Gozo would be of an advantage to tourists, Gozitans, Maltese and Aviation fanatics alike...i am sure there are definitily various other better options of investment to improve the Appearance and Economic growth of Gozo. The Government should concentrate mainly on continuing to invest on new roads, taking care of National heritage, and building New facilities to keep Gozo recognized and up to date with Malta and the rest of the world. Not to mention the need of the long awaited Sport facilities….like the National Pool which has been for many years. So how about seeing what the majority really want, by having professional surveys, thus the government could convene a committee of interested people to push wanted and truly needed projects forward !!

C. E Taliana (on 29/5/08)

There can be two facades to this issue -

1. Who does not want to ruin the environment and keep Gozo as is
2. Who is pro-airstrip.

The challenges the latter option would face would be feasibility. If an operator that is ready to operate with several cost contstraints is found then welcome the 1000 mtr strip, but I seriously doubt that an operator would draw up a proposal that would be cost-effecient.

Yes the helicopter service was expensive, but a fixed wing won'e be that cheap either. Apart from operational constraints, if the Govt would not subsidise such service, I am afraid the the loads required to make the service feasible are much higher than the actual loads.

This goes deeper into the structure of the plan. A proper plan should be drawn up for all interested parties. Will this airstrip be targeted towards tourists only, or should it be targeted towards the daily commuters as well?

I the airstrip infrastructure is not the biggest cost problem.
The real issue Is finding an operator that would find the route commercially viable.

Alfred Farrugia (on 29/5/08)

40 years ago I used to cross from Malta to Gozo and back every day to teach at the Lyceum in Victoria. In the morning I used to take the Gozo ferry from Marfa, and in the afternoon I used to take the hydrofoil (Aliscaf) to Valletta, to pursue an evening course for my first degree at the university in St. Paul’s Street. Most of the time I used to be the only passenger in the afternoon, possibly because of the cost and the timing. Things have obviously changed since then.

Care has to be taken against over-development, while we consider the needs of the Gozitans themselves. I have an open mind on the subject, but we must make sure that we do not ruin Gozo instead of making it better. We have already ruined the charm of Malta, including Sliema. Does anybody remember the Sliema front and the distinctive two-storey buildings at Tower Road? One needs to go to Brighton in the UK to see similar buildings! We need to find the right balance between sustainable development and the environment, and Gozo should not be an exception.

Joe Vella (on 29/5/08)

No, it is time to finish this nonsense, that the best future for Gozo is for it to stay the crib (presepju) that only few pensioners, now want it to be. Gozo needs to evolve and progress just as every other island or country in the world. It needs modern and effective infrastructure that can assure it communication and connection not only with Malta but with the rest of the world. It needs an airstrip, good roads and sea links just like any other island. It needs this infrastructure to support its population and it industry too, if there is still any.

Gozo has increased it numbers of people looking for a job. It five star hotels are a thing of the past, many have been transformed into ugly block of flats. Industry is nearly non existent.

If we do not start to act now, Gozo will truly become the crib (presepju) that the old want it to be. I am sure that we can preserve and develop the island at the same time. All that is needed is tough control and well though projects which do not waste our space and money. Joe Vella Victoria

Joe Martinelli (on 29/5/08)

It seems to me that all the discussions evolve around two principles namely: Feasibility and Desireability of having the airstrip.
As far as feasibility is concerned, a business plan by interested parties should provide a fairly clear picture. If negative, there would be no reason to proceed further. If positive, then it will be a question of desireability.
It is not really fair for the inhabitants of Malta to impose a decision on their compatriots in Gozo and hence my initial suggestion that a referendum in Gozo should be held.
Someone raised the issue of a bridge between the mainland and Gozo. The investment needed would be enormous compared to an airstrip although the advantages would be greater. If a bridge had to be built, no doubt it would be a toll bridge even if the return on the investment is amortized over fifty years. How about maintenance? Maintenance on bridges usually starts at one end and by the time it reaches the other end, it would be time to start all over again.
In a perfect world Gozitans would have enough industry (tourist and other) to sustain full employment, therefore the daily crossings to Malta would become unnecessary.

M Borg (on 28/5/08)

@Mr Abela.

The seaplane service is not the service the tourists are looking for. We are discussing an aircraft taking off and landing at Malta International Airport and not at Valletta Waterfront. How many travellers crossed between Malta and Gozo and vice versa with the seaplane compared to how many used to travel with the helicopter? And the helicopter was quite expensive, a fixed wing will be quite cheaper. Regarding noise pollution, the aircraft in question definately makes less noise when compared to the helicopter.

A. Attard (on 28/5/08)

@ M Borg.

I am a gozitan and i agree having a bridge between Malta and Gozo. If you live in Gozo and you have to travel to Malta everyday you'll change your idea! We have to wake up at 4am to make it to the ferry and to the place of work in Malta. we have to do this everyday. And stop this pathetic 'oh my oh my' pls.

Saviour Sam Agius (on 28/5/08)

Gozo's charm comes from the fact that it is isolated. It is still virgin to a certain extent. Some tourists I've met were disappointed by the fact that there's a Mc Donalds' outlet there for the simple reason that their main intention in going to Gozo was to get away from everything that makes everywhere so similar these days. I'm therefore against this proposition.
However, having said that, I'm for a referendum in Gozo on the issue. After all it's the Gozitans who should have the say. If they give the go ahead then we can get it over and done with. If they refuse, then we should stop bringing this topic up year after year.

Liam Kelly (on 28/5/08)

Does Gozo REALLY need an airstrip? isn't the whole reason why Gozo is a popular retreat for Maltese due to the fact that it provides a peaceful escape from the mainland?...you won't get much peace with an airfield on your doorstep I'm afraid.

Besides which, is it really feasible? a 19 seater aircraft operating to Malta only (there's absolutely no chance that flights to Tunisia or Sicily would even come close to making money) so is this really tearing up even more green areas to tarmac over ?

I don't think i even need to argue the case from a environmental point of view.

We've already got one airport which is grossly under-used in Malta...do we really need another?

D. Abela (on 28/5/08)

80% of what Mr. Borg ?
80% of Gozitan tourists are Maltese holiday makers.
the rest, 80% of what 1000 people? 10,000 people ? 100,000 people ? 1 Million people ? Because you need large numbers to make a small airport and the same airplanes worth the investment.
And even if, there are 10,000 people heading straight to Gozo, what makes you think that more than a few hundred will use the air service ? Do all those 80% of tourists use the current seaplane service ? I doubt it.
The issue here is whether an airport and the airplane service will be viable or not, I doubt Mr. Borg has done the re-search about its sustainability.

M Borg (on 28/5/08)

Gozo's double insularity makes us at a disadvantage with our mainland counterparts. This is a problem not only with Gozo, but with all SIS (Small Island States). If we take a pro-rata Government investment in Gozo vis a vis Govt investment in Malta, we can sure see that we are laid back! Gozo's economy is in a bad state, and yes, if it was not for the local tourists who cross over for the weekend, i doubt what will happen to Gozo. Gozitans pay taxes also, so why do we have to pay a high social and political cost as well?! Actions need to be taken! GREENS were against Victor Borg when he planned to build private property at Ta Cenc. Have any of them voiced their concerns at Tigne Development? Dr Gonzi, if you are not going to take action on a serious TOURISM plan for GOZO, together with the main investors in Tourism in Gozo, Gozo's economy will be directed to a natural death in the long run! An airstrip is the first thing to approve.

M Borg (on 28/5/08)

Oh my oh my! Who is coming with the idea of building a bridge or tunnel instead of an airstrip "not to ruin Gozo"??? Building a bridge between Malta and Gozo will result in Gozo loosing its identity and being and extended part of Malta. Many Maltese will 're-locate' to the peaceful island, since it won't be difficult to cross over every day! What does this mean? A greater demand for property in Gozo, property prices will rise, and more businessman will therefore invest in building more 'concrete monsters' like in Tigne! Will Gozo remain the same? Definately not!

@ Denis Abela: am sure you are not into the Gozitan tourism business. Do you know that approximately over 80% of the tourists visiting Gozo, do not visit Malta as part of their holiday? (they only use Malta Airport and just travel to Cirkewwa only).

@ James Tyrrell: taking your argument, if a Gozitan never crosses over to Malta, and never uses the 'excellent' services of Gozo 'Do-what-you-like-when-you-like' Channel, we can remove this service as well.

Gozo needs investment under supervision!

James A. Tyrrell (on 27/5/08)

To even consider such a thing as an airstrip on Gozo is madness. I just wish the people who propose such things would stop using tourists like myself as an excuse to destroy the island of Gozo. Does Gozo need an airstrip? No. Do I as a tourist want an airstrip on Gozo? No. If an airstrip is built on Gozo will I as a tourist use it? No.
The only people who will benefit from such an exercise are the developers and investors who would make it happen, and of course the people in Government accepting the odd brown envelope to push things through!

Emanuel Bajada (on 27/5/08)

@ G Theuma, You are right in your comment, Gozo is not a republic and Gozitans are fully fledged citzens of the republic of Malta at least that's what the costitution says but.....last april saw unemployment go down -650 yet it went up in Gozo +25 to which republic these belong? In case why are we discriminated? If you are in Gozo and need urgent hospitalization, forget the state of art Hospital of Mater DEJN even though you have contributed by your taxes!!
@ all anti airstrip I invite you to come and take abode here and then after experiencing life in Gozo for at least 3 months give your opinion.
My conviction after having lived here 50 years :-
Gozo does not need an airstrip for all it matters. Let's take one strong political decision. Let's build a bridge so that there will be no need for a different policy for Gozo anymore. But in the absence of this physical link ,for the short term an airstrip is a must- a pain reliever if you like. And no sir, an airstrip will not have any big impact or contribution towards an increase in tourism .

John Mizzi (on 27/5/08)

The Gozo Airport cannot happen at Ta Lambert because the area is full or archaeological sites such as cart ruts, Roman vine canals, monoliths, very old Girna and prehistoric mounds on both sides of the heliport. The cultural tourists come to Gozo to visit such sites and to destroy more of these sites is total madness. The runway seems to be almost touching the tranquil and amazing bay and valley of Mgarr ix-Xini! This will have be a huge negative impact on Gozo tourism!

Charles Sammut (on 27/5/08)

It is amusing how someone has managed to cry "Rape" and suggest building a bridge in the same breath! It seems that some expect to keep their cake and eat it too.
Do the Gozitans want quality tourists or the uncouth hordes which cross on the ferry from Malta every long weekend which comes along and make a nuisance of themselves? Because at the moment that is what makes up the bulk of tourism to Gozo. Do they want the convenience of being able to drive over to Malta (and vice versa) via a bridge or do they want to enjoy their splendid isolation? Perhaps KMB was right after all! Independence for Gozo .......... and a visa requirement for travellers too.

Corey Attard (on 27/5/08)

Please, Leave Gozo the way it is ,stop destroying farmers property, we'r not a tourist island in Gozo there is no history at all .All we have is rocks and cactus.What you gonna show the tourist, Gozo doesn't wanna become like Malta high drugs ,crime,and over populated.We wanna live in peace on this quiet island.

G Zammit (on 27/5/08)

If Gozo needs more tourists and business, then it's not an airstrip that lacks, but a free of charge bridge or tunnel. One does not need a fortune teller to guess what will happen to Gozo, another concrete jungle well competing with Sliema and Bugibba.

And to whom is stating that due to bad weather Gozo is isolated, who is going to find a licensed pilot who risks his life and that of others, flying a single engine aircraft in force 5 or 6 wind, which is fairly common even in summer?

Alison Natalie Keeler (on 27/5/08)

Hoorah that the accessibility issue is once again being raised. I occasionally arrived or left Gozo in the heli as its only passenger. Surely this was madness albeit hugely thrilling to experience private travel, as it were. Gozo needs additional accessibility beyond the brilliant service of Gozo Channel... As long as impact matters are studied and considered, surely this must be a good thing if we are talking a handful of flights in small craft.

G. Theuma (on 27/5/08)

@Mario Camilleri. Just a short point to you and to people who reason like you:
We should let the people of Gozo decide for themselves only when Gozo becomes an independent republic. Until then, it is the people of the Maltese Islands that will decide.

mario camilleri (on 27/5/08)

Let the people of Gozo decide for themselves.

Alex Ellul (on 27/5/08)

@ the anti-runway lobby: By analogy, do we Maltese residents remove the runways at Luqa/Gudja and start taking a ferry boat to Catania? Let's not kill the runway notion while targeting the real environment killers. The environment is suffering badly without a runway already. If we are not careful, in twenty, forty years even without a runway, Gozo as we know it would be finished. Even with a runway it may become so too, but not because of the runway, but due to our egoism.

mario gauci (on 27/5/08)

It should be built on reclaimed land from the see. A little more expensive but worth it in the end. Ask our friends the Chinese or Dutch for their expertise and tap funds from the EU.

Joe Martinelli (on 27/5/08)

"Keeping Gozo away from Malta will help it remain the Gozo we all love", one commented. Who's 'we'? We, Maltese or we, Gozitans?
The subject of an airstrip comes up regularly and as usual there are those who propose and those who oppose. Why not ask Gozitans who are mostly affected by whether to have it or not? A quick referendum in Gozo would dispel any doubt and the government should respect their decision.
The government is correct at evaluating a long term business plan before making any decisions since more than one helicopter enterprise failed.
Personally I think that a small fixed wing aircraft facility will meet with success and result in an increase in tourist visits plus a much better business connection point for both Gozitan and foreign executives.
The noise factor is hardly an excuse since the frequency of the flights can be regulated and the location of the proposed airstrip is such that most often any noise of landing craft will be over the sea, very much like the present seaplane arrangement.
Barring the airstrip will handicap the Gozitans' tourism opportunities, however, it is up to them to make a decision once and for all.

Miriam Galea (on 27/5/08)

Is this the idea of GonziPN of turning gozo in an ecological island?
It seems that after taking up the concept from Alternattiva Demokratika’s book, gonzipn did not know what it was copying. Gozitans want employment and sustainable development in practice not mere words.

Dr. David Pollina (on 27/5/08)

As a pilot, I feel that Mr. Perry's solution is absolutely ideal. The big issue - and rightly so - with prior plans to extend the helipad was the noise factor in Ghanjsielem which would have been right in the approach/departure path. This solution is fabulous, and I for one would be glad to serve on any commission pushing it forward.

As one also professionally involved in the tourism industry, I know that having such an airstrip would benefit Gozo considerably. It will definitely not result in any loss of Gozo's charm or character. The noise from small aircraft is actualy less than that which was put up with for years from the old helicopter service - and there could be Gozo direct links to/from Italy, etc.

Brilliant idea!

L Galea (on 27/5/08)

STOP this continuous attempted rape of Gozo.

What happened to the once proposed bridge between Malta and Gozo which will solve all the problems including the stoppage of transport when the weather is not good.

Let the Malta Shipyards where they have the necessary knowledge in steel work and maintenance work build the bridge and maintain it and kill more than two birds with one stone.

Save the shipyards and save Gozo while providing the necessary link without continuing to rape Gozo.

An additional idea would be to mount a number of wind turbine generators on the bridge, thus making it pay for its own maintenance through the electricity generated.

Dennis Abela (on 27/5/08)

I've thought about this from various points. To me though, I would give thumbs up to the SMALL airstrip. Why ? Becuase that will only be the means to prove that it will not at the end of the day be worthy. The airstrip could then be converted back to agriculture land.

Who in his right senses will fork out a considerable amount of money just to land in Gozo when travelling by bus/car is probably cheaper and more scenic. Yes, like in everything in this world there are such people, however not enough in the long run to make this a good profitable investment. Tourists would mostly likely want to spend time in Malta before venturing to Gozo. Landing direcly to Gozo and then going to Malta ...to me, does not make too much sense. With aviation fuel rocketing, expenses going up in the air it makes more sense to consolidate service rather than spread them (repeatedly) over two airports.

Dr. Ivan X. Gatt (on 27/5/08)

A few months ago AOPA (Malta) made a power point presentation to the Gozo Business Chamber and members of the Gozo Tourism Association regarding the possibility of establishing an airstrip on Gozo. In the limited time available we tried to cover all aspects such as, land segregation, noise, impact assessment, type of aircraft to be used and so on. Needless to say the presentation was well received, regrettably communications sent to the ministry for Gozo on this subject, remain unanswered. Gozo is double insulated and relies upon Malta for all its requirements. Allowing Gozo to have an airstrip would give it that little bit of independence is so desperately needs. Flights can be be organised directly to neighbouring islands including Sicily. It can very easily attract upmarket clients as it would be considered a nearby destination for pilots willing to explore the charms of this lovely island. With the right type of aircraft and proper landscaping, Gozo's environment would not be effected and its beauty would still be retained. AOPA (Malta) has and will always support such a project.

M Borg (on 27/5/08)

Mr Delia, could you please let us know how come that having an airstrip "will change the Gozo we know"?


Can someone quantify how many tourists Gozo is losing annually because of the difficulty in accessibility? Many tourists choose not to visit Gozo, especially in Winter, since they will have early flights. Do any Maltese know what it means for a Gozitan who need to travel abroad and sometimes have to leave home about 5 or even more hours before the flight, in order to be in time at the airport? Or can any Maltese justify the fact that when Gozitans arrive from abroad late evening/early morning in Winter (when ferries stop do not operate frequently), we have to find accommodation in Malta for the night, or otherwise sleep in our cars at Cirkewwa?? Gozo NEEDS the airstrip. Gozo needs more tourists, and more high-class tourists, Gozo needs to be developed, without ruining the countryside. A 1000m airstrip will definitely NOT take all the open space of GOZO.

Martin Büttner (on 27/5/08)

Go ahead! Destroy more lanscape! Asphalt and concrete instead of greeneries, this is what we all need! And how nice is the noise of a propeller. Go ahead and ruin the place. Ruin Gozo. Then you will see how tourism develops.
What about the seaplane air-link? No 1000-m-runway needed, no take-off and landing noise in the villages of Gozo, no extra heavy traffic to another area of the tiny island.
Come on! If you want an airstrip in Gozo, why don't you want a bridge?
Excuse me, but why do some Maltese want to spoil their country? Do they hate nature so much?
And hey, if Gozo gets an airstrip, Comino should also get one!

William Sultana (on 27/5/08)

Hold a referendum about the matter, and let the Gozitans decide what it's best for them!

A Farrugia (on 27/5/08)

This airstrip is a need for Gozo. Even KMBwanted to make this airstrip, so why not this Government?

Mario Mifsud (on 27/5/08)

Have you given a look around you at what is happening in Gozo? The character of the island is already being destroyed with extensive building all around. It is this that is destroying the tranquility of Gozo. An air strip would not increase tourism enmasse but only restricted to quality tourism that would leave much more benefit and less damage than the stampede generated by Notte Gozitane and such like occurrences

Massimo Farrugia (on 27/5/08)

The economic feasability of such a project needs to be considered thoroughly before a decision as drastic is taken. Would small aircraft flights really solve the accessibility problem of Gozo? Would the money spent be worthwhile? Would the environmental cost be worthwhile if weighed against the overall gain for Gozo? If we are talking of giving better access to Gozo's industry which exports produce abroad, then we are certainly talking of larger planes than the "small fixed wing" aircraft carrying a score of passengers from Tunisia or Sicily, and perhaps a strip that is larger than one km. (Experts please advise).
Anyone who has been to Lampedusa's main harbour, which is not larger than Mgarr (Gozo), knows how disturbingly deafining the sound of a landing jet is if you're dining in one of the small fish restaurants in the evening. (Lampedusa is just under than half the size of Gozo). I'm not saying the project is impossible but we just can't have the cake and eat it.
Pilots never leave anything to chance before flying. The same goes for such a project: if it's allowed to take off without the necessary precautions, it could be fatal.

Fabian Borg (on 27/5/08)

Keeping Gozo away from Malta will help it remain the Gozo we all love. Any closer it will just be another Maltese village and ADDIO AGRITOURISM and PEACEFUL BREAKS.

Martin de Bono (on 27/5/08)

Charles is 100% correct.

Gozo deserves much better. I do remember that Gozo was planned to be an ECO island with sustainable tourism. Therefore the Gov should take its stand and commit to make Gozo like so. Step one... officially announce that NO AIRSTRIP should be planned or actioned.

Let me remain Mr. Benetti that Lampedusa, Pantelleria and Marina di Campo are all very far away from any mainland, so it makes travel and tourism sense to have an airstrip there. But hey, what's all the fuss about? Gozo already has air travel... why do we need an other one?

Daniel Delia (on 27/5/08)

Gozo has been attractive for the novelty it is where more or less it is still unexploited unlike Malta. The fact that it is cut off from Malta has kept it that way so far. Having an airstrip will change the Gozo we know. The ones who are pro to an airstrip have money and business in mind and are very short sighted without considering the long term effect of such a development.
There are many other countries like for example Greece who do have an airstrip on every island. Besides the idea of an airstrip is becoming obsolete since the cost of fuels are rising so rapidly that less people will make use of an expensive means of transport.

Charles Flores (on 27/5/08)

An airstrip on Gozo would outrightly mean the end of this idyllic isle. Stop this nonsense. There is no doubt that, if approved, the strip would gradually develop into a fully-fledged airport at the price of a huge chunk of Gozitan countryside. Gozo deserves better and certainly cannot sustain this proposition. This is what Gozitans should be outraged about and not a mere ecclesiastical appointment!