The government will be submitting a planning application for an airfield in Gozo in the coming weeks, as the consultation period on the project concluded on Wednesday.

This was announced by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, who said that the Regional Impact Assessment of the Gozo Rural Airfield had been concluded.

The Regional Impact Assessment entailed a number of studies as well as public consultation about the Gozo Rural Airfield project.

The Gozo Regional Development Authority launched this project to explore the possibility of turning the dilapidated Gozo Heliport site into an airfield.

“This proposal is an electoral promise that this government is determined to deliver,” stated Camilleri.

There have been more than 70 proposals, suggestions and recommendations submitted which have been carefully analysed by the authority and eventually included in the final document on this project.

The Gozo Regional Development Authority CEO Mario Borg shared some of the recommendations for the project which had been received.

The first was that “the rural aspect of the project remains central” while it was also suggested that measures to minimise the impact of noise that may be generated, are also increased through the use of trees and other vegetation.

It was also suggested that the fuel deposit will not be restricted to emergency use only, and that the project caters for the installation of electric charging points for planes.

The final recommendation was for the government to play an active role in managing the operation of the airfield even after it is completed.

Camilleri said that in the coming weeks, an application will be submitted to the Planning Authority, and if it is permitted they will work accordingly to strengthen the accessibility of Gozo.