Redeveloping Gibraltar Airport

03/01/2012 Written by: Gill Sincock No comments

Gibraltar airfield was built during World War II and officially opened in 1949 as an emergency base for the British Royal Navy. On December 2nd, 1987, an agreement between the Spanish and British governments agreed to the civil joint use of the airport by Gibraltar and Spain. In 2006 a new agreement between Britain, Gibraltar and Spain was signed which contained few restrictions on civilian use of the facility, therefore allowing flights to and from Spain, thus ending years of conflict.

Buro Happold is currently working on a project to completely redevelop Gibraltar International Airport on behalf of the Government of Gibraltar.  The new 20000sqm terminal building improves the current facilities to an international standard, significantly increases capacity for flights each day and provides an impressive entrance to those visiting Gibraltar. An entrance to the border with Spain is provided in addition to the entrance directly into Gibraltar.   This makes the project relatively unique as the terminal has increased passenger segregation issues due to border controls between the two countries. In addition to the new terminal, Buro Happold is providing a new multi-storey car park and airside facilities building adjacent to the proposed terminal.

Buro Happold worked closely with the client and the contractor to carry out the scheme design utilising a wide range of engineering disciplines.