Call for Malta-Gozo fixed-wing air link

The Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Tourism Association have urged the government to seriously consider the introduction of a fixed-wing air service between Malta and Gozo.

Such an operation would be more economical and more environmentally-friendly than the helicopter service, they said.

The two organisations said the decision to stop the helicopter service between the two islands would have an adverse effect on tourism. "The fact that the service has been stopped at this crucial time of the year will further aggravate the problem of accessibility.

"The authorities were aware that the helicopter service had to stop by the end of October due to the aircraft's standards required by the EU and therefore discussions on an alternative service provider should have been started well in advance so that the continuity of the air service would have been guaranteed," they said.

The two organisations augured that the discussions going on at present with the prospective air service provider will be concluded in the shortest time possible.