Gibraltar Airport gets new terminal

Just before Christmas Gibraltar finally, but only partially, opened its new air terminal.  The event virtually coincided with a change of government, the new Alliance group, perhaps taking a leaf out of Westminster, questioning the project and the continuing work on the road approach and tunnel under the single runway. 

The new, and old terminals, sit on a small piece of land between the runway and Spain.  Presently travellers are not only held up when crossing the border, depending on the Spanish mood, but also for landings and take offs.

Presently the (380,000 sq ft) new structure is only being used for arrivals with two carousels working, those bound for Spain having to personally take their luggage across the border.  Under an agreement signed in 2006 a common gateway was to be created but mainly due to Spanish intransience (and lack of money) this has failed to be implemented.

The outdated existing building is still being used for departures with completion of the new facility planned for May.  It could easily cater for one million passengers annually.  Throughput for the year up to November 2011 was just under 360,000, the final figure likely to top the cira 369,000 for both 2008 and 2009.  www.gibnet.com

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