Coming in to land at Gibraltar International Airport is a thrilling and memorable experience, offering spectacular views of the British Overseas Territory and its iconic Rock. The plane touches down on a runway with its eastern end in the Mediterranean and its western end extending into the Bay of Gibraltar, with the Atlantic beyond.
Gibraltar International Airport is famous for features that make it truly unique. Until recently, the main road—Winston Churchill Avenue—crossed directly over the airport runway. This meant vehicles and pedestrians had to wait at barriers more than 15 times a day whenever planes were landing or taking off. In 2023, a major change came with the opening of a new tunnel beneath the runway, allowing uninterrupted traffic flow.
Another unique feature is that the runway extends into the sea, with around one-third of its length built over water. The local geography also creates frequent cross-winds, making landings more challenging. In 2012, Gibraltar was listed among the ‘World’s Scariest Airport Landings and Take-offs’ by the Daily Telegraph. But don’t worry—pilots who land here are highly trained, and the airport has an excellent safety record.
In 2024, the airport handled 424,386 passengers and 215,385 pounds (97,697 kilograms) of cargo across 3,628 flights.
History of the Airport
Gibraltar International Airport, previously known as North Front Airport, serves the civilian population of Gibraltar. The Ministry of Defence owns the runway and airfield, which are operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Gibraltar.
The airfield was established during World War II on the site of Gibraltar’s former horse racing track. It was opened in 1936 as an emergency airfield at a time when Gibraltar was a key British naval base. In 1940, a landing strip was constructed, and between 1942 and 1943, the runway was extended by reclaiming land from the Bay of Gibraltar.
Direct Flights to Gibraltar
Currently, only two airlines operate regular scheduled flights to Gibraltar: easyJet (www.easyjet.com) and British Airways (www.britishairways.com).
British Airways offers daily direct flights from London Heathrow. easyJet flies direct from Bristol, London Gatwick and Manchester, with a new twice-weekly route from Birmingham starting in June 2025.
The ongoing sovereignty dispute between the UK and Spain continues to impact the airport. Gibraltar is excluded from European airspace deregulation initiatives, such as the Single European Sky programme. As a result, direct air links between Gibraltar and the EU require bilateral agreements, which remain limited due to the lack of consensus over sovereignty.
Passport Requirements
All visitors to Gibraltar need a valid passport, except EU nationals who may use a national ID card. Generally, if you require a visa to enter the UK, you will also need a separate visa to enter Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is outside the Schengen Area. If you enter Gibraltar from Spain with a Schengen visa, ensure that your visa permits re-entry into Spain afterwards.
For up-to-date information, visit the official airport website.
Crossing the Runway
After exiting the terminal, you can turn right to head into Spain or left into Gibraltar. To enter Gibraltar on foot, you must cross the runway — one of the city’s most unusual attractions! Visitors are often surprised to find themselves walking across the same tarmac their plane just landed on.
While the spot is popular for selfies, keep in mind that this is an active runway. To ensure safety, RAF Gibraltar offers the following guidelines:
- Follow all instructions given by Police Officers.
- Stay in your designated lane.
- Do not linger — aircraft may be approaching.
- Secure your valuables and avoid dropping litter that could damage aircraft engines.
- Watch children closely.
- When the red lights are on and barriers are down, wait until they reopen.
The Terminal Building
The terminal is located at the northern end of the peninsula on British Lines Road, within walking distance of the city centre. Taxis and buses are available outside the building.
The terminal has two baggage carousels, three departure gates, and several retail outlets including WH Smith, The Food Hall, and Gibraltar Duty Free Shops. There is also a pleasant waiting area with a viewing balcony, a children’s play zone, and car rental desks.
Thanks to its convenient location, modern facilities and direct flights to the UK, Gibraltar International Airport offers an efficient and enjoyable travel experience. Once you land, you’re only steps away from exploring this exceptional destination.
Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Vanessa Kingwell