Editorial TMID – Gozo and the airfield: A matter of viability
The issue of connectivity between Malta and Gozo has been put back on the agenda by the government, with a new idea – that of an airfield – being announced last week.
The runway will be built in Xewkija on land adjacent to the existing helipad. The land in question is non-agricultural and is located in the development zone. It will be about 450 meters long and will accommodate small aircraft that can carry up to 11 passengers.
The government is seeking to operate the airport through public-private partnerships. The airfield will not operate international flights – meaning that the only inbound and outbound commercial flights will be to Malta International Airport in Luqa.
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said that the airfield will provide new business opportunities in terms of flight schools, pilot training academies, and industrial drone testing as well. .
It is far from the first time that attempts have been made for air connectivity to Gozo.
A helicopter service between Malta and Gozo lasted only 18 months, after the Spanish company that operated it closed the shop in 2006. A seaplane service, which operated between the Port of Mgarr and the Grand Harbor of Valletta, lasted considerably longer – between 2007 and 2012 – but ultimately had the same fate. of the helicopter.
It is perhaps for that reason, that there have been some skeptical reactions around the idea of expanding the heliport to an airport. Among those who were unconvinced about the idea is former Prime Minister and current Labor MEP Alfred Sant.
“I remain unconvinced by the proposal for Gozo to develop an airport that will be able to receive arrivals of aircraft from Malta carrying up to 11 passengers. That same cargo can be carried by a helicopter of a reasonable size,” wrote in his column twice a week on The Malta Independent earlier this week.
At its core, the idea of an airfield in Gozo as presented is probably the most commercially viable air connectivity facility one can build.
This is on a simple basis that a small airport can host industries and businesses beyond just flying between Malta and Gozo. Malta remains a hub for aviation, with multiple flight schools based at Malta International Airport. There is a possibility that such schools or new schools will be attracted to a completely quieter facility in Gozo.
However, one cannot help but think of the economies of scale of the project. Does an island as big as Gozo need an airport? Really, will a commercial island hopping service between Malta and Gozo be financially viable for each operator? Yes, perhaps tourists who want to see Gozo – and only Gozo – will be attracted to such a service as a matter of pure convenience, but will the number of tourists in this regard be enough to sustain the service?
Not to mention the environmental considerations of such a project. Yes, the project will not be taking over agricultural land – which in itself is a welcome change of direction from some other government projects (yes, we are looking at Infrastructure Malta) – but there are other things to consider.
One of these is the increase in noise levels as a result of the upcoming and outgoing aircraft, as well as the increase in traffic around that general area as a result of the project.
A public consultation is currently underway and will continue until the end of this month, but the necessary environmental impact assessments are also needed before this project can be given the green light.