Gibraltar slashes landing fees ahead of summer

One of the key reasons given for airlines not using Gibraltar’s airport has been the high cost of the landing fees. This was given as the cause for Monarch switching its Manchester service to Jerez last year and is also said to be behind the reluctance of airlines to establish new routes to and from the Rock.

Deputy Chief Minister, Joe Holliday, who is responsible for tourism said the cost cutting will help to develop existing services and open up opportunities for new destinations. He added: “This new financial model will have the desired effect in the medium term to develop existing services and open up opportunities for new destinations. Gibraltar airport was simply too expensive compared to similar airports elsewhere, and in this day and age, airport costs are an important factor in the business and financial model of a modern airline”.

Last year the Gibraltar government took over control of civil matters at the airport from the Ministry of Defence and promised that this would result in a lowering of landing fees. Now it says that a more cost effective set of charges will come into effect on March 30, the start of the 2008 summer schedule.

70% discount
In a statement the Ministry of Enterprise, Development and Technology stated: “The current landing, navigation and parking fees will be discounted by 70% to all commercial airline operators on new and existing routes. The current Passenger Service Charge will remain at £10 per passenger and will be known, in due course, as ‘Air Passenger Duty’, in line with industry practice.”

Lifestyle Links for Gibraltar

• Facts about Gibraltar
• General Information on Gibraltar
• Gibraltar Internet and E-Commerce Facilities
• Healthcare in Gibraltar
• Nightlife in Gibraltar
• Property in Gibraltar
• Recruitment agencies in Gibraltar
• Schools in Gibraltar
• Taxation in Gibraltar
• Work & Residence Permits in Gibraltar