Gibraltar International Airport (IATA: GIB, ICAO: LXGB), also known as North Front Airport, is the civilian airport serving the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. The facility is jointly used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and civilian operators — the runway and aerodrome are owned by the Ministry of Defence, while the passenger terminal is managed by the Government of Gibraltar.
The airport is very close to the city center — only about 500 meters from downtown — making it highly accessible. Its location offers spectacular views: aircraft approach over the Mediterranean with the Rock of Gibraltar forming a dramatic backdrop. Uniquely, the airport’s single runway (09/27) crosses Winston Churchill Avenue, a major road. Until 2023, pedestrians and vehicles on that road were stopped every time a plane landed or took off. Since March 2023, a 350-meter tunnel (the “Kingsway”) now allows road traffic to pass beneath the runway, greatly reducing disruption.
Gibraltar’s runway 09/27 is 1,776 m (5,834 ft) long and 45 m (148 ft) wide, surfaced with asphalt. Only approved multi-engine aircraft can operate here due to the steep approach required (≈ 5.5°). Typical commercial aircraft using the airport include A320- and 737-family jets.
In terms of traffic, Gibraltar Airport handled 424,386 passengers in 2024, with 3,628 aircraft movements that year. There is also Jet A-1 fuel available, and customs/entry facilities for international flights.
Gibraltar is well known for its unique infrastructure challenges and scenic approach, and now the new under-runway tunnel helps reconcile road traffic with airport operations.