A tiny European island in the Mediterranean has so far been a popular day trip destination, with its only access available via ferry.
However, the government now wants to convert these day-trippers into overnight guests, with a plan to use an airfield on the island to provide daily flights between the main island and its smaller neighbour.
Gozo is part of the Maltese archipelago, located between Sicily to the north and Libya to the south.
Plans for the expanded airfield in Gozo were approved by the Planning Authority’s Board in October. At the moment, the airfield is only used for emergency purposes, and is located on the outskirts of the village of Xewkija.
Currently home to a disused heliport, the plans will see the runway extended so that small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters can land.
According to a local newspaper, the entire project is expected to cost 2.5 million euros, or £2 million. Upgrades to the heliport are set to cost 1.6 million euros (£1.3million) with a further 861,000 euros (£716,000) being spent on three nine-seater aircraft.
When the airfield opens in 2026, it is thought that there will be 15 flights per day, including scheduled and chartered flights. According to local media, tickets could cost between £20 and £30 when they launch.
The airfield will also serve as a base for activities including skydiving.
Ronald Sultana, director of tourism and economic development at Malta’s ministry for Gozo and planning, said: “We are not against day tripping, but we want to translate a ratio of that day tripping into longer stays.
“It will become more sustainable and we will be avoiding mass tourism.”
As part of the plans to boost tourism, infrastructure on the island is also set to be upgraded, with a new sports centre and a range of boutique hotels also set to open on Gozo.
Sultana added: “These are some of the different projects we’re trying to implement in order to turn Gozo into a destination that one can enjoy on a longer stay”.
After the island of Malta itself, Gozo is the second-largest island in the archipelago. As of 2021, the island had a population of over 31,200 out of Malta’s total 443,227.
Gozo is rich in historic locations, including the Ġgantija temples, which, along with the other megalithic temples of Malta, are among the world’s oldest free-standing structures.
Overall, the island is far less developed than Malta and retains a rural character, perfect for those looking to escape the popular cities of the main island. It is particularly known for its scenic hills, which feature on its coat of arms.
There are a few sandy beaches on the island, such as Ramla Bay in Xagħra and Nadur, as well as seaside resorts that are popular with both locals and tourists, the most popular being Marsalforn and Xlendi.
Currently, a ferry crossing, between the port of Mġarr on Gozo and Ċirkewwa on the northwest coast of Malta, takes 25 minutes each way and costs 4.65 euros. The Gozo Channel Line makes a trip every 45 minutes during the summer and almost as often during the winter.
August is the hottest month in Gozo, with an average temperature of 27C. However, even in the depths of winter, temperatures remain around 16C, with highs of 22C in November not unlikely. The island’s tranquillity, stunning landscapes, and rich culture make it an ideal winter destination.