i notice there is now a flygib.com website in the throes of coming together and i've seen 2/3 reports now stating this service will start march/april 07, does anyone know is this going to be a 'budget' airline or an additional scheduled service and can anyone give a guesstimate on when tickets will be on sale???

The complete business plan for FlyGib has yet to be published openly. It is understood that further negotiations are taking place with the MoD and Govt of Gibraltar this coming coming week. Ater that, it may become clearer when tickets etc may become available. As prices are expected to be in the Low Cost Carrier category it is unlikely to be a full service operator, however this will not be clear until their proposal becomes available.

Nivsy

thanks nivsy, we went to Gib on our honeymoon some years ago and also have family friends out there so love to go back when we can, the extra choice in flights will be very welocmed!!!

Agreement has been reached between the Govt of Gibraltar and Spain on the development fo Gibraltar Airport. There shall be easier access to the airport - to be directly from the Spanish border and the terminal shall be developed. Spanish flights shall be permitted and further flights within europe encouraged for other airlines.Vehicle traffic, always subject to delay when airfield is in operation shall be re-routed via a tunnel at the eastern end of the airfield. All additional traffic shall be subject to government approval and Air Traffic Control shall remain under the juristiction of The Ministry Of Defence who own the airfield (ATC suplied under contract by the MoD). Basically all this means that Gibraltar is now opening up to further operators, more flights, and easier access for passengers wishing to use the airport from Spain. Fly Gibraltar should they get off the ground, will no doubt welcome this development along side the travelling public of Gibraltar and close by Spain.

Nivsy

Wonder how easy it would be for the likes of BA and Monarch to just suddenly drop their fares, and give the new airline a much tougher time ?

Gotta admit that fares between the UK and Gibraltar so far seem to have been on the high side given comparable distance routes to Spain. However, is there really enough demand to fly to Gibraltar (and maybe Estepona), when there's a huge airport at Malaga with far more choice in flight times. Gibraltar's population ain't that big - are there really enough Brits who want to fly there ?

I guess time will tell if there is demand - assuming that FlyGib get off the ground.

There is considerable development down the coast now from the likes of Estapona towards La Linea - and the new road/motorway is coming on at a fast rate all the way to La Linea.

Not forgetting that Tarifa and that coast is getting more interest. It could certainly open up much more markets should Gibraltar be the arrival/departure point. Malaga Airport development continues as many who have used the airport recently are probably only to well. Lets just hope the development of Gibraltar is somewhat better organised.

Nivsy

FlyGib were "officially" launched this week at a Gibraltar Day held on London on Monday with the Chief Minister being in attendance. Details were however a little scetchy to say the least, however they are still looking at an April start with the web site and ticket sales being avaialable from December.

I am however still unsure where the aircraft are actually coming from - with no committment being forthcoming from Astraeus on wet leasing. Shall be interesting!

Nivsy

New airline unveils Gibraltar routes

Start-up airline Fly Gibraltar plans flights from four UK airports and Dublin from next spring.

The low cost carrier is to fly from Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol from March 2007.

UK independent Astraeus Airlines will lease two 148-seat Boeing 737-300s to the Gibraltar-based newcomer and provide the operating license for the first year of operations.

Details of fares have yet to emerge and the airline's website at http://www.flygib.com has yet to go fully live.

With permission from Travelmole

Mmmmm. Dublin and Cork are also going to be served. Unusually, persons from Astraeus cannot confirm leasing arrangements of the 737's so watch this space with interest!!!

Nivsy

Wrong I am! Cork dropped!

Nivsy

Gibraltar shall be served from the Spanish capital commencing 16th December. National carrier of Spain, Iberia shall operate a code share flight with GB Airways leaving Madrid at 07.30am and departing Gibraltar at 09.30 returning to Madrid.

Airbus 320 aircraft are expected to operate the daily flight.

Its all good news for Gibraltar, despite the thoughts of many on issues of political nature.

FlyGib meanwhile has had application of flight delayed further but remain optimistic of April 2007 start from Gib to various UK destinations and Dublin, Ireland.

Nivsy

Any idea as to when tickets are going to go on sale ? Is Feburary a reasonable estimate ?

Am unsure at this moment of time when tickets will be available for sale. Should think Feb' 07 would be a good guess if April 07 operations are to start. Should have more detaiil once CAA approve the airline for operations and once we know who will actually supply the aircraft.

Nivsy

Airbus 319 - EC-JXJ has landed in Gibraltar today - on the first flight between Madrid and the Rock of Gibraltar. the aircraft ws met by the First Minister of Gibraltar.

Flights will be on a daily basis with GB Airways also introducing an Airbus 320 flight between Gibraltar and Madrid by spring 2007.

Both airlines are expected to operate unde code share agreement and shall offer onward connections from Madrid world wide.

Historic day for Gibraltar.

Nivsy

It's a pity that all the flights can't be GB Airways as Iberia is such a poor alternative.

Poor Iberia! Its really the political aspects of Iberia being present at Gibraltar that is making the headlines.

This is a dramatic step following agreement between the UK, Govt of Gibraltar and Govt of Spain. It marks a vast improvement for Gibraltar and its relations with Spain and thankfully both airlines will be able to operate to the Spanish capital. Should things go well, Iberia are already taking under consideration additional flights to Barcelona.

We have booked a holiday in the Costa de la Luz for next summer and are considering flying into Gibraltar. Have heard that crossing the border can be difficult or time consuming.

What's the reality in the height of summer?

Thanks
Karen

Hi Karen ... this particular forum is more specific to air travel, than to cross border surface travel. Gibraltar is discussed extensively in our Costa del Sol forum, due to the large volume of cross border movements from there. It may be worth checking out that forum, HERE is just one thread which may be of interest. The Search facility will lead you to loads of others.

David

The airport is located right at the border with Spain. Under new regulations just being introduced if you are flying into Gibraltar but going straight into Spain you can transit through a newly erected temp' "terminal" which will allow you access straiht into Spain. Regardless, there are never delays of significance travelling through the frontier by foot. The delays are with a car. Should you wish to rent a car - I suggest that it does done via Crown Car Rentals that are located in La Linea Spain - only a short walk from the frontier.

For the Costa that you are considering visiting Gibraltar Airport is an ideal place to utilise - and obviously must quicker in the long run - rather than say motoring from the busy and current "building site" of Malaga Airport...where should you use the motorway you also have toll roads.

Nivsy