Xewkija Heliport

Xewkija Heliport sits on the outskirts of Ghajnsielem, the main village on Malta's sister island of Gozo. It was built to connect Gozo to Malta via helicopter flights, but commercial services ceased years ago. Today, the heliport functions primarily as a COVID-19 testing centre, run efficiently by the Maltese health authorities. The hospital helicopter is still kept on site, standing ready for medical emergencies. The small structure overlooks a working corn field and offers wide views of the Gozo countryside and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Its compact size belies its usefulness—processing hundreds of test appointments each week with brisk professionalism.

Getting There

Reaching Xewkija Heliport is straightforward. If you are coming from Malta, take the Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mgarr. The crossing takes about 25 minutes. From the Mgarr ferry terminal, the heliport is a short 2-kilometre drive. Buses run regularly from the terminal to Ghajnsielem—routes 301 and 302 stop near the heliport entrance. A taxi from the port costs around €10 and takes less than five minutes. If you are already in Ghajnsielem village centre, the heliport is a pleasant 15-minute walk down the tree-lined road towards Xewkija. The nearest bus stop, "Ghajnsielem," is served by several routes connecting to Victoria, Gozo's capital, about 3 kilometres away. Drivers will find a small car park directly in front of the terminal, with designated spaces for wheelchair users.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building is small but well laid out. A single main hall handles check-in for tests, with a reception desk and several partitioned booths for swab collection. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, car park, and toilet. The atmosphere is clinical and efficient—no waiting lounges or shops, just chairs lined along the wall. On a typical weekday afternoon, the queue moves quickly; most appointments are completed within 10 minutes. The COVID-19 test itself is administered by trained staff and is thorough but, as many will attest, quite unpleasant. The nasal swab is deep and lingers for a few seconds. That said, the process is streamlined: you check in, confirm your details, and are directed to a booth. The whole experience feels orderly, if a bit austere. Outside, there are small areas with olive trees where you can wait or recover after the test. The sea views from the entrance are a calming touch.

Xewkija Heliport and Ghajnsielem

Xewkija Heliport sits at a crossroads of Gozo's modern and traditional life. Ghajnsielem is the first village visitors encounter after leaving the ferry at Mgarr. Its name means "peaceful island" in Maltese, a fitting description for this quiet community of about 3,000 people. The village is dominated by the magnificent Rotunda of Xewkija—a massive church with one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe, visible from much of southern Gozo. This architectural marvel is a short walk from the heliport. Ghajnsielem's other points of interest include the Mgarr ix-Xini Tower, a coastal watchtower from the Knights of St. John, and the picturesque inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini, a popular spot for swimming and kayaking. The heliport itself reflects Gozo's connection to Malta: before the construction of the heliport in the 1990s, the only link between the islands was the ferry. For decades, the helicopter service provided a fast 20-minute hop for those who could afford it. Now, with the service discontinued, the heliport has found a new purpose in public health. For visitors, the area is worth a brief stop. The fields around the heliport are planted with corn and tomatoes in summer, and the quiet lanes are perfect for a stroll. The sea breeze carries scents of wild fennel and salt. Ghajnsielem also has several good restaurants serving fresh fish, and the nearby port of Mgarr buzzes with activity during the day. While the heliport no longer connects to the skies, it remains a useful landmark for travellers navigating Gozo.

Practical Information

Xewkija Heliport is open for COVID-19 testing appointments on weekdays only; it is closed on weekends. Busiest times are Monday afternoon and Tuesday through Thursday around 5 pm, so booking an earlier slot can mean a shorter queue. There is no phone number publicly listed for the heliport; appointments must be booked through the Maltese health authority's online portal. If you need a wheelchair-accessible taxi, it is advisable to arrange one in advance through local services. The site has limited shelter from sun or rain, so bring water and an umbrella. One actionable tip: if you are visiting Gozo and require a same-day COVID-19 test for travel, the heliport is the most efficient option on the island—just be prepared for the swab and allow 10–15 minutes total.