Dr Refalo issued a statement deploring the fact that the helicopter service has been stopped, especially in view of the bad state of the Gozitan economy.

Gozo, said Dr Refalo, is facing serious problems due to a lack of investment, rising unemployment figures and a generally stagnant economic situation. And tourism figures are getting worse by the day, especially as the winter months set in. This sort of decision is unacceptable, he said.

Dr Refalo concluded by thanking those who had worked on this service over the years and expressed his solidarity with the workers who used to work at the heliport in Gozo, especially those who will be transferred to Malta.