Gozo Tourism Association insists on airstrip

The Gozo Tourism Association said yesterday that while a seaplane link would provide better air access between mainland Malta and Gozo, it still believes Gozo should have its own airstrip to mitigate the difficulties met by Gozo-bound tourists.

"A seaplane will not solve the access issue for a number of reasons. Any link between the islands should be all year round, day and night.

"The sea and weather conditions affecting the entrance of Mgarr Harbour, especially when north east, south east and south west winds are blowing, will not provide good landing and take-off conditions". The association wondered whether the seaplane will also operate at night.

Mgarr Harbour is already congested and with the Gozo Channel crossings a seaplane link will create further congestion.

Additionally, Gozo-bound tourists arriving at the airport will have to go to Grand Harbour to board the seaplane.