Gozo Tourism Association makes case for air link to Malta and other islands

The Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) has made a case for the realisation of the Xewkija rural airfield ahead of the establishment of an airlink between Gozo and Malta, and potentially other islands.

In a document laying out its vision for Gozo, the GTA said that in today’s “cut-throat holiday competitiveness” environment, the least Gozo needs is connectivity through a high-cost air service. 

“Many even argue that a worst-case scenario is that of having no airlink whatsoever,” it said.

“An all-year round, island tourist destination, can only be saleable if there is a reliable, consistent, effective and cost sensitive air connectivity from and to the mainland.”

“If these basic concepts are not highly placed on the competent authorities’ agenda, Gozo’ s complete accessibility will be put at high risk and our endeavours to mitigate seasonality will thus be futile.

“Therefore, the Gozo Tourism Association for the umpteenth time urges that due priority is given to the realisation of the rural airfield which will establish the airlink between Malta and Gozo and why not to neighbouring islands, thus realising the dreams of a lot of Gozitans during these last 65 years.”

Besides meeting the demand of tourists and locals, the GTA argued that inter-island air transfers will also open up an aviation employment niche in Gozo.

“These investments towards the inter-island connectivity are a must for the social and economic well being of Gozo. These are not simply grievances or a wish list but improvements on the sea link which is the only highway that connects Gozo with Malta and the outside world.”

The Planning Authority approved a rural airfield project in Xewkija in 2024, with the project set to involve the extension of the existing runaway and the renovation of a building previously used for helicopter services to Malta. 

Works haven’t started yet but Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged to introduce an air taxi between Malta and Gozo.

Gozitan business lobby groups have long argued in favour of an air link, with GTA President Joe Muscat suggesting a similar model to that adopted for the fast ferry network, with the Government developing the infrastructure and the private sector handling operations.

Cover photo: Gozo Regional Development Authority