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Opposition reject use in Spain of 'La Linea airport' and 'north terminal' references
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Close up of the ledge jutting out from new airport link with La Linea
The Opposition say they reject the continuous references made in Spain to the “north terminal” and to “La Linea airport” and takes a very serious view of these developments. The airport is Gibraltar airport and it is built on British soil "and we should not allow anything further to be said or done which undermines this fundamental principle."
It is obvious that Spanish politicians are under the impression that what has been described here as expanded use of Gibraltar airport is actually some form of joint use, say the GSLP/Liberals.
And they add: The new Mayor of La Linea told a Spanish Radio station that he intends to develop the production of tomatoes and other vegetables in the municipality in order to export them to London and elsewhere through “the North terminal of the La Linea airport”. It has been reported that he has also participated in discussions with the Spanish Foreign Ministry and the Spanish airport operator AENA in relation to the development of the land in Spain next to where the Gibraltar terminal is being constructed. AENA stands for “Aeropuertos Espanoles y Navegacion Area”.
WRONG IMPRESSION
It would be totally unacceptable to have a building on the Spanish side which is called the “north terminal” or worse still “La Linea airport”. This would give the completely wrong impression to everyone including residents, passengers, tourists and other visitors to the area. The problem would be compounded if this proposed building is the one through which passengers can then access the new Gibraltar terminal itself.
The Opposition go on to say that they understand that this land is currently owned by the municipality of La Linea and that there are plans to develop some kind of building on the Spanish side of the border, adjacent to the Gibraltar terminal, which would include shops, restaurants and other services. Quite apart from the political concerns which arise from the statements made by the Mayor, there have also been logical concerns expressed of a commercial nature at the consequences of this to traders in the new Gibraltar terminal who would have to compete directly with traders on the Spanish side for the same business.
"The construction of a new Gibraltar terminal and its relocation to an area next to the frontier with Spain has made it easier for Spanish politicians to suggest that there are two terminals, north and south, serving what is clearly for them the Campo de Gibraltar Airport," said an Opposition statement.
The relocation of the air terminal is something which the Opposition has never supported. It would never have happened had the existing air terminal building been expanded or refurbished instead on its present location something which would have also been more prudent economically.
It is well known that Iberia started offering flights between Madrid and the what they called “Campo de Gibraltar” airports on their website when they commenced on the route. The last thing we need now are references to a “north terminal” or to “La Linea airport” as well, says their statement.
20-01-10
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