Those who for years have been making proposals to have a reliable air link to Gozo fear nothing concrete will ever be done, even though the government said recently it was open to "economically feasible" suggestions.
The island has been without a land-based air connection since the helicopter service was stopped in 2005. It is only served by a seaplane from Grand Harbour, a service which does not run in winter.
Some people have been pushing for the infrastructure at the inactive Gozo helipad, in Xewkija, to be put back to use by building a runway as an extension.
"No one is taking it seriously," Roy Perry, who submitted the proposal in 1997, said in a disappointed voice. He added that he did not know of anyone who objected to the project, as long as it did not have adverse environmental consequences, something he said his plans guarantee.
He is just one of the enthusiasts who have come up with creative solutions to the problem of having no direct air link between Luqa airport and Gozo in the absence of the old helicopter connection.
When the service was cancelled, a seaplane operation was set up from the Grand Harbour. But this cannot function when it is dark or the sea is rough and, consequently, stops flying during the winter months. Also, since it is based at the Grand Harbour, it does not enable quick transfers from the airport to Gozo.
Mr Perry argued that in the light of the difficult year ahead for tourism, this was one project that should be concluded as soon as possible in order to create an efficient, reliable and cost-effective service. He estimates the flight would cost about €75 return and it would take 15 minutes to get from Malta to Gozo.
The secretary of the Gozo Tourism Association, Joe Muscat, has in the past argued that the seaplane is no substitute for a proper air link between the airport and Gozo. A runway was needed to attract tourism, he insisted. The operation of a fixed-wing aircraft would require a small airstrip but, in view of environmental concerns, the association has proposed that the secondary road behind the heliport, linking Għajnsielem to Xewkija, could be developed for this purpose.
The road would only be closed to traffic while aircraft were operating.
Pilot and aviation investor Victor Mercieca has come up with yet another proposal: for the runway to be built on reclaimed land at the Mġarr Harbour. However, this would be more costly and time-consuming because it would involve the building of an artificial extension to the breakwater.
The different proposals have been discussed by the authorities a number of times and, although no final decisions have been taken, all parties involved seem to agree that an air link is desirable.
The Gozo Business Chamber is all in favour of the airstrip but its president, Joe Grech, said he had received no updates about the proposals submitted.
When contacted, the Gozo Ministry said it too wanted a decision to be taken and that it was in favour of a "sustainable and reliable air service" but did not comment about the proposals available.