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In the small territory of Gibraltar, the airport defies the ordinary: a busy road crossed the runway, generating up to 15 stops a day, while pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles shared space with planes in full swing.
Located on a territory of just 6,8 square kilometers, Gibraltar needed creative solutions to deal with the lack of space. This led to the construction of the airport runway across the busy Winston Churchill Avenue, which connects Gibraltar to Spain.
Besides being one of the smallest territories in the world, Gibraltar has turned its limitation into an attraction. Imagine waiting in traffic, not for another car, but for a plane about to take off!
How the intersection between planes and cars worked
When a plane approached, the barriers would lower, much like a train crossing. Cars, cyclists and pedestrians would have to stop and wait as the aircraft taxied down the runway. This surreal scene happened up to 15 times a day, creating delays that locals had come to expect.
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And don't think that it was just a matter of arriving and crossing. Signs warned: "You are crossing an active road. Any carelessness could be fatal." It was a true balance between adrenaline and caution.
The role of the Airport for Gibraltar
In addition to serving commercial flights, the airport was also a military base for the Royal Air Force. This combination of functions reinforced the strategic importance of the location.
Interestingly, the airport has become a tourist attraction. Many visitors stop to take selfies in the middle of the runway, while admiring the unique landscape of Gibraltar.
In March 2023, everything changed with the opening of the Kingsway Tunnel. Finally, cars and planes gained separate spaces. Now, private vehicles use the tunnel, while pedestrians and cyclists have the option of crossing the road through another tunnel or, for the bravest, still crossing through the active road.
This separation eased congestion and brought more security, but it did not erase the airport's reputation as one of the strangest in the world.
Still a strange and fascinating airport
Even with its modernization, Gibraltar International Airport maintains its unique aura. Walking along a runway where planes still land and take off is an experience that combines excitement and curiosity. For those looking for something different, Gibraltar remains a must-see destination.
Gibraltar International Airport is an example of how creativity can overcome limitations geographical. It is more than a landing site; it is an attraction that combines history, innovation and a touch of adrenaline.
