Gibraltar Airport Mini Guide
Tell me About The Airport
Gibraltar Airport is also known as North Front Airport. It is also used by the Royal Air Force as RAF Gibraltar. It is considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous airports, as a main road crosses the runway, therefore the road has to close every time an aircraft takes off or lands.
How Can I Get There?
The only scheduled flights at the present time are from 5 airports in the UK. Previously, there were a few flights to
Madrid, but these have now ceased.
How do I Get to The City From The Airport?
Unusually, you can walk straight into the city, from the airport, in just a few minutes. The centre is only 2 km away. Alternatively, there is a regular bus service from outside the terminal building.
What Can I See Nearby?
You can visit the Rock of Gibraltar, a nature reserve accessible by cable car, where you can see the famous apes, explore the caves and tunnels and see the military guns. The town is enclosed by fortress-like walls, the oldest being from a Moorish castle, this makes for an interesting walk. The bay of Gibraltar is well known for its dolphins, if you have time to look, you might just see one!
Gibraltar is a Small Island, Where Else Can I go?
If you have hired a car, you can also cross to Spain and visit the Costa del Sol area. To drive to
Marbella would take 45 minutes and to
Estepona 30 minutes.
What is There Available at The Airport?
An information desk is available for all your enquiries, in the arrivals area. Car hire desks are in arrivals also, where a representative will meet you.
Can I Eat There?
There are 2 cafés, where you can get something to eat or drink, one in the upper level lounge and one in the departure lounge. The upper level café, is open air and overlooks the runway, if you want to watch the aircraft taking off and landing! If you are travelling business class, you can use the Peninsula Lounge for complimentary drinks, snacks and newspapers.
Can I Shop There?
Duty Free shopping is available in both the arrivals and departures area.
What if I Need Special Assistance?
Facilities are limited due to the small size of the terminal.
Anything Else I Should Know?
A new terminal is under construction and should be open by the end of 2011. This also includes more parking facilities and an airport hotel. It is hoped that new European routes may be added to the schedule.
Where Can I Stay Near The Airport?
The 4 star O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel is in the heart of the city and just a kilometre from the airport. It has 2 restaurants, a fitness centre and WiFi is available. There is also a beautiful rooftop pool and terrace, which looks directly over the Gibraltar Straits. An alternative is the Caleta Hotel, on the eastern side of the rock and about a 5 minute drive from the airport and 10 minutes from the town. There is a Spa on-site for your relaxation, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. This 4 star hotel is well known for its seafood restaurant Nuno’s and its Garden Grill, set in a pretty courtyard.
Gibraltar has a lot to see and a hire car makes the sights much more accessible. The must-see has to be the Barbary apes on the rock but when considering a trip to see the primates you might decide to take the cable car to the top or climb the Mediterranean Steps, an arduous climb but well worth the effort for the fabulous view over the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the coastline of North Africa.
Another interesting visit that will help you understand the history of the island is to the Siege Tunnels cut into the rock itself.