Extension of Gozo heliport
This government has the opportunity to prove that we are really committed to quality tourism. One way of proving this is to promptly decide on a new air link to Gozo. Originally it was intended to have an airfield for light fixed-wing aircraft by...
This government has the opportunity to prove that we are really committed to quality tourism. One way of proving this is to promptly decide on a new air link to Gozo. Originally it was intended to have an airfield for light fixed-wing aircraft by simply laying a mere 800/1,000 metres of paved runway or reinforced grass.
The heliport outside Xewkija today has almost 200 metres of paved runway plus a small movable terminal, fire services, lights, proof of a true airstrip beginnings as originally planned by the Department of Civil Aviation way back.
The surrounding area is suitable to add another 600 metres of paved runaway; the area is not exactly arable, on the other hand it has accumulated waste debris and bird traps due to the improved road accessibility around the heliport.
General aviation or private light aviation can provide consistent inter-island services on an individual or shuttle basis at very reasonable prices compared to the helicopter, which operated at a huge loss.
General Aviation aircraft require regular maintenance, hotel rooms, car rental, catering services, aero club facilities, etc. Small airstrips are run on the same lines as the successful marinas; yacht owners like to operate their aircraft to get there. Both are very important facilities for Malta and Gozo, sitting right in the central Mediterranean. This will generate more specialised jobs, and provide added GA recreation opportunities for Gozo.
Years have been wasted on this matter, but little or no action has been taken to realise such a basic communication need.