Malta-Gozo transport options

The most common method of travel between Malta and Gozo is the ferryboat service operated by Gozo Channel. Up to last week the more privileged could save time and hassle by flying, using a helicopter operated by the Spanish company Helisureste.

The idea of building a bridge to link the sister islands is not new and is being revived regularly. A bridge could indeed be self-financing with time, if a proper toll rate were introduced. But there are a number of arguments against it, the most forceful being the environmental one. Hundreds if not thousands of animals, plants and other organisms would be in danger from such a big engineering project. Traffic in Gozo would also increase drastically with all its side effects, such as pollution and higher risk of accidents, which would make the island less attractive to foreign and local visitors.

Besides, the bridge would be a strong competitor to the ferryboat and kill the ferry operations in the long term.

Another option is under discussion: transforming the Gozo heliport into a 1,200-metre-long airstrip suitable for 12-seat, fixed-wing aircraft. This idea is very welcome by Gozitan business and tourism associations and might even be eligible for subsidies from the EU.

Of course, an airport too would have an impact on the environment, and how big an impact would be subject to studies. An air service between Malta and Gozo would also still be more expensive than using the slow ferryboat connection.

I believe that two other options should be analysed as well.

How about a small to medium sized boat seaplane that can both take off and land on a runway and on water linking the airport in Gudja to Mgarr harbour? Such planes exist in various sizes for long, medium and short distances, and are in operation in air passenger services abroad.

My second suggestion is to offer a speedboat or catamaran connection for passengers only - no cars or trucks - between the Grand Harbour and Mgarr. Virtù Ferries, which operate between Malta and Sicily, could be a possible applicant for such a service.

All these travel methods have their pros and cons. It is up to the government to decide on environmental, economic, socio-economic and social grounds. But I believe that the Maltese and Gozitans should also have a say.