It has been discussed for several years that the ultra-short runway at the Gozo Heliport in Xewkija (Island of Gozo, Republic of Malta) should be extended. Now Clint Camilleri, Minister for Gozo, officially presented the plans.

A few years ago there was also a debate that a second, international airport for Malta, on the island of Gozo, should be built at the site of the sleepy heliport. This "XXL variant" is massively controversial among residents. The government now intends to build one size smaller. The runway is to be extended from the current 174 meters to 450 meters.

In the past there were two long runways for the time in the immediate vicinity of the Gozo Heliport. The US Air Force established a base on the island of Gozo during World War II. However, this was not used very long. A public road now runs in the area of ​​a former runway and the other was simply covered with earth in the truest sense of the word and it was simply "disappeared". The area of ​​the former second runway is used for agriculture.

Project is controversial in Gozo

The issue of agriculture is also the main bone of contention around the Expansion of the Gozo Heliport, because all around are fields that are tilled by farmers. In the course of the presentation, Camilleri assured that the extension of the runway will only take place on the existing area belonging to the heliport and that no farmland will be used.

The project aims to improve the connection between the island of Gozo and the main island of the Republic. The government member also pointed out that a fast ferry between Valletta and Mgarr had already been set up. The aim is to establish flight connections between Luqa and Xewkija with small aircraft that can carry a maximum of eleven passengers.

From the early 1990s to around 2006 there was a scheduled helicopter service between the two airfields. It was even possible to check in with Air Malta at Gozo Heliport and then transfer in Luqa. The luggage was checked through. Of course, the opposite way was also possible. However, the helicopter operation was never profitable, which is why the wet lease was terminated. Another operator threw in the towel after a short time.

PSO flights between Malta and Gozo are to be established

Unsurprisingly, Minister Clint Camilleri announced that the planned flight connections are to be operated within the framework of a PSO model. He named them as a role model Gozo Fast Ferries, which are also subsidized by the government. In fact, only Tallinja Card holders benefit from this, because only they get greatly reduced fares. Tallinja is the rechargeable bus card, although this is not limited to residents, everyone can buy it.

In perspective, the Maltese government can imagine that an electric drone service could be set up between Luqa and Xewkija. For this reason, attempts are being made to locate appropriate companies at the Gozo Heliport and to position it as a kind of test center on the international market.

“While it is a regional airport not equipped to handle international flights, we believe the investment will bring new business to Gozo. We have already seen great interest from flight schools, pilot training academies and those wanting to test industrial drones at the facility,” said Camilleri.

Some time ago, Aviation.Direct presented the Gozo Heliport in more detail as part of a photo report. At the moment it looks more like a lost place than an aviation location. The report can be found with this link. There is also an aviation resort on the smallest inhabited island of the Republic of Malta. This is called Comino Heliport and was not used by VIPs, but for the transport of pigs. More in the Photo report at this link.