The question of Gozo’s needs crops up yet again (Editorial, 15 June), but before any decisions can be made, has anyone thought long and deep about the costs and viability of an airstrip?

First of all where would the runway be situated? How much agricultural land would be needed to take large aircraft? Apart from a runway, a large amount of land would be needed for office accommodation, and sufficient trained staff would have to be recruited.

As I see it, there are two possibilities: 1) A sufficiently long runway. 2) The transfer to a smaller plane for those few passengers who choose to spend their holiday in Gozo, and again on their return to Luqa.

Are the Gozitan businessmen prepared to put their hands in their pockets and pay for these extra costs? Passengers would be transferred from “wherever” at Luqa to the flight to Gozo (where would they wait?), then reseated on the “shuttle” to Gozo.

I ask, would this be a “cost effective” project, taking into account the cost of running a separate air terminal? Back to my previous remarks – are the Gozitan businessmen willing to pay for this long term, and would enforceable contracts be needed to ensure their continuing support, if they feel the exercise would be “cost effective”?

Furthermore, how would this affect the unique and relaxed atmosphere on Gozo?

Ron Bird

QAWRA