Thousands flock to Gozo every week. In summer, whole families load themselves and belongings onto vehicles bound for their holiday homes. Open-top buses carry day-trippers around places of interest. Things, however, are not booming. Gozo students stay away after qualifying because there is little work for them. The industrial estate and many hotels are in decline.
Why?
Because a segment of the population finds it uncomfortable to travel. They are either elderly or rich. They need to travel first class, by air.
With no air service between Malta airport and Gozo since 2006 it appears there is still a requirement for a fast, economical and frequent link to and from Gozo. It is estimated that at least 48,000 passenger trips would be needed per year and a return fare of less than €75 may well attract more. This rate compares favourably with travel by seaplane or taxi.
The Gozo and Comino Local Plan (2006) allowed for an area around Gozo heliport to be designated as being “for aviation use”. Two companies expressed an interest in operating a service and held talks with administrators in Malta and Gozo. A private survey of the area revealed there were two areas suitable as a landing place. Of these, the land used for one of two wartime airstrips seemed very suitable because it was largely derelict and in government ownership. There were no heritage issues on the site.
Discussions dragged on for a few years and the lack of an air service caused a downturn in tourism and investment. In 2009, a question in the House from a Gozo MP caused the Prime Minister to ask the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development to prepare a report. This request was passed to the MCESD’s Gozo Regional Committee.
The Civil Aviation Directorate took the view that a short extension to the helipad would be sufficient. Their 500-metre-long strip would require considerable civil engineering work and an underpass for the approach road.
Meanwhile, two independent surveys were carried out by aviation experts. These show that, for a totally safe operation in all weathers, an 800-metre-long runway is needed. This would benefit those learning to fly, be suitable to an airline, serve the armed forces and can also be used privately. Then there are those who fly away for a holiday each year in their own plane.
No new buildings are needed as the present modern terminal will suffice. No dramatic earthworks are required, just a 960- by 60-metre strip of flat land. No environmental damage will occur if care is taken over the choice of aircraft. No pure jet aircraft will be allowed and Gozo will not be a Ryanair alternate.
Go to www.gozoairlink.blog-spot.com to see the simplicity and small size of the project. Take a look at the island map to view the degree of impact.
Many have asked about the viability of the project.
The best test is to build the runway alongside an existing road. If the idea does not work the runway can be used as a replacement stretch of road.
Island and regional communities throughout the world have benefitted from an air link. Similar advantages would accrue to Gozo if a new aerial gateway was opened.
There are two options.
Option A consists of an extension of the 174-metre-long helipad runway.
This plan would intrude into arable land and would require an extension of a three-metre high mound in both directions for the runway and flat over-run areas at each side, which would be costly. No provision is made for passenger and freight aircraft parking. If constructed on this elevated site, the runway would need a lot of maintenance. The eastwards extension would require the diversion of the access road into a tunnel, thus increasing the cost.
Aircraft on approach and departure would overfly residential areas, especially at Għajnsielem.
Option B is an 800-metre-long runway to the southeast.
This strip would be aligned to prevailing winds and a direct flight path to the east would be possible. A link taxiway could traverse the northern road at a gated crossing under the control of the adjacent fire station. Further details may be found at www.gozoairlink.blogspot.com.
At the eastern end there would need to be a return path for aircraft after landing. Beyond this, an area could be made available for a large picnic and recreational site. An air park would provide a substantial income. Underground cisterns could be built to store rainwater.
Revenue from the operation will be gained from franchises within the terminal, landing fees and secure aircraft parking areas. The whole project will be compact and economical and should be a showcase gateway to Gozo.