British Airways have increased the flight frequency on their London Heathrow service to Gibraltar on certain weekends this summer.
It is the first time ever that Gibraltar will have three flights to Heathrow on the same day. This will be on three Saturdays in April, two in May, two in June, two in July, four in August, five in September and four in October.
Minister for Business and Tourism, Hon Vijay Daryanani, said “This is welcome news for overnight tourism, our hotels and Gibraltar PLC on the whole. The airline industry is extremely challenging and competitive.”
“I have been asking British Airways to increase flights as they have been busy on most days so I am glad to see these extra flights materialise.”
“This is the first time ever that we have three flights to Heathrow on the same day. I hope we can continue to convince the operators to increase capacity to Gibraltar in the future.”
Gibraltar tourism
Gibraltar is traditionally a popular travel destination for UK tourists. Located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, it is a British Overseas Territory that offers visitors a unique blend of British and Mediterranean culture, as well as stunning natural scenery, historical sites, and outdoor activities.
One of the most famous attractions in Gibraltar is the Rock of Gibraltar, a massive limestone promontory that rises over 400 meters above sea level.
Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the rock to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and to visit the famous Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe.
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Gibraltar is also known for its rich history, with numerous historical sites that reflect its strategic importance over the centuries.
The Gibraltar Museum, housed in a 19th-century military prison, offers a fascinating look at the territory’s history and culture, while the Great Siege Tunnels, built during the 18th century to defend against Spanish attacks, are a testament to Gibraltar’s military heritage.
In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Gibraltar offers visitors a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, sailing, and scuba diving.
The territory’s warm Mediterranean climate and scenic coastline make it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, while the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains offer ample opportunities for hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
Air travel history
The history of air travel between the UK and Gibraltar dates back to the early days of aviation in the 1920s. Gibraltar’s strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean made it an important hub for air travel and communication with the British Empire.
In the post-war era, air travel between the UK and Gibraltar continued to grow. In 1949, BEA introduced a new route linking London via Lisbon, Portugal.
The route proved popular with both business and leisure travellers, and BEA operated regular flights until the airline was merged with British Airways in 1974.
In the 1960s and 1970s, air travel to Gibraltar faced a number of challenges due to the political situation in the region.
Spain, which claims sovereignty over Gibraltar, imposed restrictions on air travel to the territory, leading to disruptions and delays for travelers.
Despite these challenges, air travel between the UK and Gibraltar continued to grow in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1987, Gibraltar Airport opened a new terminal building, which improved the airport’s capacity and passenger experience.
Today, several airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, and Wizz Air, operate regular flights from the UK, connecting the territory to destinations across Europe and beyond.
