The Malta-Gozo air service : part III : the furore over an airfield

Abstract

This is the third part of a study outlining the early endeavours for the provision of a permanent airlink between Malta and Gozo. The first part outlined the early attempts to provide this service; the second part proceeded with a review of the attempts to launch this airlink by helicopter. A trail service finally took off on 27 June 1990 and it was resumed the following year. Those cherishing the welfare of the Gozitans urged the hastening of the next step – an airfield for fixed-wing aircraft that would cut both costs and fares. For several weeks, the correspondence columns of local newspapers, overflowed with opinions about the project. Many were critical rather than supportive; the majority jumped to fallacious conclusions. The airlink was however upgraded with the extension of the landing area and the building of a proper helicopter terminal. The discussion in the meantime rages on.