Gibraltar Airport

Great experience out of Gibraltar. Check in staff were very friendly and helpful. My flight to Bristol was quite late but the staff were good and again through security the staff were friendly and there was no queue. After security there is a duty free store with souvenirs for tourists, the restaurant was okay but nothing special. Boarding was a quick and easy process.

How this place had gone down the rattle since they opened the great white elephant. It now possesses probably the most officious unpleasant and useless security staff in aviation (not many years ago they were the best anywhere but have no doubt been replaced by cheaper versions). For all its newness when 3 flights depart together the lounge is full and no seats to be had don't bother going for food or drink the queues will put you off. This morning they couldn't even find anyone to turn the screens on for check in. Complete amateur night. In fact I think as far as departures is concerned it exists to make Malaga look good! I just wish it wasn't so. The old airport just worked so much better with much nicer staff. OK for arrivals but best go to Malaga for departures. Won't use again.

I have just returned from my first air travel following a debilitating stroke and cannot praise all the ground crew and customs and security staff enough on both arrival at and departure from Gib they made this experience one which I will happily repeat. Their excellent customer care and service particularly for me as a person with a disability made for a relaxing and stress free experience which others would benefit from following their example. I was also very impressed with the new airport which couldn't fail to impress even the most seasoned travellers it was a huge improvement on the airport I last used (which was in Spain) when visiting family in Gib less cattle market more high class lounge.

Why is there still only one baggage claim belt? So much investment to build a modern new airport. There is a bizarre downscaling sensation when you use this airport enough check-in desks to check-in about 5 flights with excess space 4 departure gates 2 arrival immigration check points and 1 baggage claim belt when it is very common for all the days 3 or 4 flights to land within 30 minutes of each other? I agree with all the sentimental comments about the old terminal but surely frequent flyers remember how ridiculous the arrival hall was with cases overflowing from the one belt from various flights. The new departure area is fabulous and I love that you have the observation terrace but the one baggage belt is a big mistake.

The new Gibraltar Airport is light years away from the old one which as somebody pointed out in a previous revue was like flying from an airport from another era and is sadly missed in many respects. The passing of an era. The new one is very spacious and modern but still is an anomaly in a number of respects. When arriving despite the large amount of room available at the airport the last people off the aircraft have to stand out in the elements awaiting their turn for Immigration/Passport control. Very odd. Facilities for those with limited mobility is very poor as my wife learns every time even though we always indicate when booking our tickets of this problem. With the new airport you would have thought that they would have taken the opportunity to put proper measures in place but no. When departing from the airport a few weeks ago Security despite being polite were of the 'Give a man a peaked cap mentality'. No real complaints/feedback procedure seems to be in place which is indicative of what goes on here.

Building work on the new Terminal is well advanced and to be honest a bit overdue. Although a small and very old fashioned building it reminds you of flying in a bygone era when things were more relaxed. Slightly bigger than your average flying club!! On arrival we were straight through immigration I don't think they checked even one passport and onto the duty free shop (french brandy £6 a litre) whilst waiting your bags on the single carousel then straight out (no customs) over the border and away. On return they were checking in 2 flights and departures became very crowded but security were very pleasant (unlike Manchester) departures lounge is too small and ends up with passengers being put on buses and having to wait until they can board the planes. Reasonable selection of shops and a nice cafe for a drink or snack. All in all a good experience and will use it again.

Due to building work buses used on arrival and departure. Unfortunately no advantage for ba Club passengers and by the time we reached the end of a long line for immigration it took time to get through ourselves. Bought duty free inbound by which time our bags were on the belt Out and across the Spanish border in no time. For the return has already checked in on line so went straight to the Club check in 2 others available full check in and Fast Bag Drop. Went upstairs for a quick drink with friends and family overlooking the runway and the Rock. very noisy with metal legged chairs on tile floor. Boarding card check forms part of security you pick your trays and load them up here before going through to put them through x-ray. Remember to take out your liquids as I've been caught out in the past and the woman behind was this time. After a bit of duty retail therapy made our way through the crowds to the Peninsular Lounge. Small but adequate even if no staff were visible. Very well stocked bar but curiously no tonic water and only salted almond as snacks. Boarding chaotic long lines making their way through other seated passengers. There were 2 possibly 3 flights waiting and the departure lounge was heaving. All in all good especially as it's so close to the border.

Small friendly airport with spectacular approach and take off. Small cafe in departure with roof top seating and airside has another bar with shop and duty free. gets a bit crowded when several flights are due to depart. Unfortunately it only has one baggage tow truck so when 3 planes land at once then you may have to wait for your luggage to arrive. Immigration / security very quick but perhaps we were lucky with timing.

GIB is a small friendly airport with flights to the UK and to Madrid. The main access road into Gibraltar cuts across the runway so when planes land the road is closed. For passengers arriving Madrid who do not have checked luggage and are not planning to enter Gibraltar there is a bus waiting at the plane to take you out of the airport by the back way to the bus station at La Linea so you avoid immigration.