The planned airstrip in Gozo needs an independent feasibility study before being processed by the planning authority, to assess the impact on the environment, public health and cultural heritage, according to Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar.
FAA said the airstrip would create noise pollution and the area is a Neolithic buffer zone as well as a bird sanctuary. Concerns about the project were also raised by Friends of the Earth and Din l-Art Ħelwa.
It was revealed on Tuesday that the Gozo Ministry was in the process of submitting an application for a 400 or 650-metre airstrip for fixed wing aircraft in Xewkija, according to Mepa documents. It would possibly be a grass strip, lying at a slight angle adjacent to the existing one.
This service will be of limited benefit to Gozo’s residents
The airstrip would be located just 185 metres from the Grade 1 scheduled monument of the military tower of Torri ta’ Santa Cilja and less than 100 metres from the Grade 1 protected medieval chapel of St Cecilia.
While acknowledging Gozitans’ need for improved accessibility, FAA questioned the benefits of an airstrip to Gozo residents. “It needs to be recognised that this service will be of limited benefit to Gozo’s residents... realistically the cost of such a service would be out of reach.”
Answers were needed on the noise pollution an airstrip would generate since it is scientifically proven that this has a damaging effect on health and children’s mental development.
“FAA also calls on the authorities to carry out full – as opposed to lip-service – consultation with residents in the area who had repeatedly complained of unacceptable noise levels when the airstrip was in operation in the past,” said spokeswoman Astrid Vella.
DLĦ also expressed concern about noise pollution. “While an airstrip may be of benefit to its users, light aircraft continually landing and taking off in the area will create a noise nuisance for nearby residents around Xewkija. The negative impact of new projects on existing residential areas is often played down,” the organisation said.
The two organisations were among a group of NGOs demanding clarity on the much-mooted project in the run-up to the last general election.
Friends of the Earth was also among the groups raising concerns.
FOE asked who would benefit from such an airstrip. “Any answers to this question should be backed by hard figures and not by hollow promises of job creation and other presumed benefits synonymous with Sunday morning political speeches,” said chairman Martin Galea De Giovanni.
He also said such a project would not fit into the “much hyped but not so Eco-Gozo”, referring to the government’s stated vision to make Gozo an eco-island by 2020.
Last August, the government announced it favoured more aviation activity.
The plan was based on creating an additional helipad off the existing 180-metre runway, to serve as a parking space for helicopters, freeing up space on the runway.
Parking would also be made available for ultra-light aircraft off the runway so that their users would be able to leave them there and visit Gozo. The project would reduce ultra-lights’ dependence on Malta International Airport, while promoting Gozo as a destination for both locals and tourists, according to government.
The possibility of an airstrip in Gozo has been on the table since Malta Air Charter – which was heavily subsidised by Air Malta – ceased operations.
The heliport has been virtually deserted since then.
For some time a seaplane also operated to Gozo, but this service was also stopped.