Fixed-wing airstrip will not harm Gozo

Mr George Vassallo (The Sunday Times, December 17) is concerned that a fixed-wing airstrip on Gozo would cause damage, and "could be seen from everywhere".

Mr Vassallo may think that the present 'helistrip' would be transformed into a mini-Malta International Airport, when my understanding is that the existing strip would only need extending by around 230 metres. It is doubtful that this work would take long to carry out or cause much of an environmental impact.

I also think that the approach and landing pattern of a Brittan Norman Islander light aircraft would cause much less noise pollution than the defunct helicopter services, and certainly a lot less environmental damage than a large proportion of the road vehicles currently operating on Malta and Gozo.

It is good that Mr Vassallo, like many, has concerns about his beautiful island, but personally I feel that a fixed-wing airstrip would be a definite plus for Gozo and would not, as Mr Vassallo thinks, ruin Gozo - some of the developers will do that if you let them.