The Ministry for Gozo has submitted a planning application for a rural airfield in Gozo to the Planning Authority.
The application was submitted following a public consultation process on the proposed airfield, led by the Gozo Regional Development Authority.
During this consultation process, the authority received around 70 recommendations to improve the project proposal, a government statement read.
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri stated that through this project, Gozo’s connectivity will continue to improve. “As a government, we have a track record in implementing projects, and as pledged in the electoral manifesto, we are working on this project to enhance Gozo’s connectivity. We believe that this project will help foster a new and sustainable economic niche, creating quality jobs and attracting more high-quality tourism to our shores”, Minister Camilleri said.
He emphasised that “all this will be done in full respect of the surrounding environment, whereby no agricultural land will be included in this project, while mitigation measures will be taken to reduce the impact on the environment and the surroundings.”
The project will take place over 76,000 square metres of land which is already committed for similar development purposes and which is currently in a depleted state, the government said.
“No additional buildings will be built, while the existing passenger terminal will be refurbished. The existing runway will be prolonged by 271 metres, reaching a length of 445 metres.”