Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543996
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 MARCH 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The announcement was made during a conference on connec- tivity organised by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, where stakeholders discussed challenges, priorities and future plans for the island's transport links and their role in economic and social devel- opment. Speaking at the event, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said the airfield would be a new facility capable of attracting investment that does not currently exist on the island. He added that it could potentially draw aviation schools to relocate to Gozo and open up niche tourism and economic op- portunities. Camilleri said effective connec- tivity remains essential for Gozo's progress, arguing that economic and social development depends on continued improvements in how the island is linked both in- ternally and with Malta and be- yond. He pointed to recent devel- opments including the fast ferry service between Mġarr and Vallet- ta, which has reduced travel time to around 45 minutes and become a key link for workers and stu- dents. The service is expected to expand in the coming weeks with new routes connecting Mġarr to Buġibba and Sliema, while exist- ing routes will continue to oper- ate. Plans are also underway to strengthen maritime connectivity through an expansion of the Gozo Channel fleet to five vessels, part of a wider strategy to improve re- liability and capacity between the islands. Camilleri said improved connec- tivity is also contributing to year- round tourism in Gozo, noting that hundreds of cultural activities organised in collaboration with local councils and NGOs have helped increase visitor numbers, particularly outside peak months. A government taskforce has also been set up to examine the future development of Mġarr Harbour, including possible expansion and the creation of alternative road ac- cess, as part of a long-term vision for the strategic area. Permanent Secretary Mario Borg said Gozo is being posi- tioned as a model for sustainable development under Malta Vision 2050, with a focus on creating economic activity that improves quality of life. During the event, Ivan Falzon presented on developments at Mġarr Harbour, while Ronald Sultana outlined recent tourism growth trends in Gozo. Aviation experts also highlight- ed the potential of the airfield project. Former colonel and pilot Mark Said stressed the impor- tance of diversifying connectivity options, warning that reliance on a single transport link poses risks to the island. Pilot Aldo Borg said the airstrip could open new eco- nomic sectors, reduce pressure on maritime transport and cut travel time between Malta and Gozo to around 12 minutes. The confer- ence brought together public en- tities, professionals and stakehold- ers to discuss proposals aimed at strengthening Gozo's connectivity in the coming years. Gozo Minister says planned Gozo airfield will attract new investment to island Plans are also underway to strengthen maritime connectivity through an expansion of the Gozo Channel fleet to five vessels, part of a wider strategy to improve reliability and capacity between the islands (Photo: DOI) CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 "When the government an- nounced it was getting new vessels, and larger vessels, Gozitans are asking where are they going to stay, when we al- ready have the current vessels, tourist boats as well as fishing boats. This is an issue which is placing limits on Gozo." Agius said the Nationalist Party has already called for the expansion of Mgarr Harbour, but argued the issue goes be- yond infrastructure. "The issue is tied to a much bigger question for Gozo. Who is taking the decisions for Gozo? Is it directly the Gozitans making the decisions, or is it coming directly from Castille?" He said a lack of local deci- sion making is holding back development. "Until the Gozitans are at thehelm, and are able to make decisions for themselves, then Gozo can't progress any fur- ther. That's why the harbour hasn't adapted, that's why the vessels haven't adapted, why the hospital hasn't adapted. It's also promised, the court isn't finalised." Agius said there needs to be a wider discussion on govern- ance and autonomy. "We need to have a serious conversation about the au- tonomy of Gozo, and giving Gozitans more autonomy. I think one way or another Gozitans need to be at the cen- tre of the decision making pro- cess on Gozo." He said the ongoing EU budget discussions for the next seven years present an oppor- tunity to address this. "The EU is discussing the budget for the next seven years, and we need to consider Gozo'sregionality. Let's say to the EU, Gozo is a region and it will have its own funds. This has not been done so far." Agius said the outcome of the discussions in Brussels will de- termine how funding is struc- tured in the coming years and whether Gozo can play a more direct role in deciding how funds are allocated. Limits on Gozo linked to decision- making, Agius says Agius said the outcome of the discussions in Brussels will determine how funding is structured in the coming years and whether Gozo can play a more direct role in deciding how funds are allocated