Connectivity to Gozo: present and future

Gozo and mainland Malta are separated by only three and a half nautical miles of Mediterranean Sea. But for Gozitans, this short distance means a lot. It gives Gozo a separate physical identity but also means additional disadvantages including cost and time lost.  

Successive administrations have invested on connectivity, yet it remains a major challenge. 

Historically reliant on boat crossing and now on ferry services, the island’s accessibility has long been a source of debate and development plans, with several suggestions being considered to connect Gozo to Malta in a better and more reliable manner.

At present, the primary mode of transportation to Gozo from mainland Malta is via ferry services operated by Gozo Channel Company, a government owned company which runs a reliable service. Gozo Channel was established in 1979, to maintain, develop, and operate a sea transport service to and from Malta, Gozo and elsewhere, by transporting passengers, freight, and mail, while serve the national economy and interest Gozo and its residents. Gozo Channel operates four vessels that run between Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr in Gozo, carrying both passengers and vehicles. 

While the service is frequent and reliable, we also acknowledge the fact that it is not without its limitations. Adverse weather conditions, while not widespread, can disrupt the services, leaving commuters stranded. 

Acknowledging the fact that improvement in connectivity is a must, in 2021, the government launched a fast ferry service between Valletta and Mġarr, offering a quicker alternative for foot passengers. This service has been well-received for its speed and convenience, where the traveling time between the two destinations is of around 45 minutes. 

However, we understand that there is an ongoing demand for more robust and reliable connectivity solutions. According to the latest data issued by the National Statistic Office, 693,361 passengers made use of this service in 2023, an increase of 45.6% compared to the previous year. 

Future Plans 

In our electoral manifesto, presented for the 2022 general election, we vowed to improve connectivity, and we are working on multiple fronts to make this happen 

One of our main proposals was that to convert the Gozo Heliport facility, which currently is only used in cases of emergency by the air ambulance helicopter, into a 445-meter rural airstrip for short take-off and landing fixed-wing aircraft. The aim is to introduce a reliable and scheduled fixed wing connectivity between Gozo and the Malta International Airport. 

Furthermore, we are envisaging to create new economic niches in Gozo related to the aviation sector to diversify the island’s economy while creating high end and sustainable jobs.

We are also exploring avenues to improve and expand the existing ferry services. The plan is to increase the frequency of ferries, especially during peak hours, and introduce more environmentally friendly and modern vessels. Upgrading the infrastructure at the ferry ports to handle higher volumes of passengers and vehicles more efficiently is also being considered even though this poses environmental challenges that must be considered and studied. We acknowledge that the activities and demands for the Mġarr Harbour has outgrown its current capacity. Better organisation and some rethinking need to be explored with some urgency. 

Improving connectivity to Gozo is still key to the island’s socio-economic development and the well-being of its residents. While Gozo Channel ferry services remain vital, we must look for better solutions and options. The fast ferry service is one of such solutions but there are more to explore. Hopefully, the Gozo Rural Airfield project will soon get the necessarily approval so the infrastructural work can start. 

Each proposal carries its own set of benefits and challenges, and the path forward will necessitate careful assessment of environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and the preservation of Gozo’s unique character. As discussions and planning with various stakeholders continue, the goal for the Ministry for Gozo and Planning remains clear; to ensure that Gozo remains accessible, thriving, and true to its identity.