I refer to the editorial in The Times of February 16, 2009 relating to the pros and cons of an airstrip in Gozo. This subject has been discussed many times in the past and, while I agree that it would be convenient to have an air-shuttle service from Luqa to Gozo, a commercial venture would only be viable if it was heavily subsidised. Despite subsidies, the last service only managed to operate for a few months.
I think that it is grossly unfair for the people of Gozo and Malta to have to subsidise flights for tourists who can afford the prices, and business people whose flights are tax-deductible anyway!
Personally, I feel that as things stand now, the ferry connections are more than sufficient. In acute emergencies, an AFM helicopter is used. If business persons and well-off tourists can really not be bothered to travel on the ferry, they can always charter a helicopter.
The seaplane is just a sight-seeing gimmick and serves no real purpose, except to disturb the peace and infringe on one's privacy.
If the hotel and tourist branch think that thousands of additional tourists will flock to Gozo if there is an air service, then I suggest that they are being taken for an expensive ride by their consultants!
From an environmental point of view - especially considering the "ecological island" concept - one must realise that once the airstrip has been built it can never be "un-built": That land will be destroyed forever.
Judging by what it costs to build roads on Gozo, the cost of extending the runway would run into millions of euro. At present, the government cannot even keep the main arterial roads in a reasonable condition, so how on earth can they maintain an airstrip? Fixed wings planes cannot miss potholes like most helicopters can!
If a commercial fixed-wing venture failed, the government would be left with an expensive airstrip and no business - I would certainly not say that that was "no skin off the government's nose"! Once an airstrip has been built, it will also be utilised by flying schools and private planes. It would be very difficult to limit the use of the airstrip to one commercial company only. Even if this was possible, there would be so many "exceptions" and "emergency landings" that it would be a farce. Let us not kid ourselves with regard to the status of some residents.
I lived near a small airport on the outskirts of Munich for some years and I can assure you that the noise of small aircraft monotonously buzzing overhead is most irritating. Thank goodness we only have a few visiting aircraft here at present (the float plane is unable to fly much in winter), however sitting in the sun and enjoying the bay at Xlendi this afternoon there was one circling the area. Although it didn't bite like a mosquito, it had the same effect - one just wanted to swat it down!
The charm of Gozo is, as the editorial mentioned, the fact that it is still relatively unspoilt, fairly unique and slightly more difficult to reach! Let's keep it that way.
Many Maltese and foreigners have purchased property here because the island is so special - why? And why do so many Gozitans who emigrated elsewhere in the world, always keep a foothold here on the island?
The tourists who visit the island - especially in the shoulder months and winter, when we need them most - are not looking for a stereotype destination. They want to enjoy the magnificent cliffs and ravines, the sparkling seas, thunder clouds and rainbows, wild flowers and fascinating rock formations, but possibly most of all, the peace and tranquillity they can find in the countryside. They most certainly do not want the noise pollution and invasion of privacy caused by noisy little aircraft!
Basically it boils down to:
Pros: Convenience for the few, and
Cons: Inconvenience to the whole population!