Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Families on the Costa del Sol are rushing to book their Christmas holidays. A renewed campaign has been launched calling for direct flights from Scotland to Gibraltar.
Expat groups report that the long-standing inconvenience has been highlighted by the festive season. A petition has been circulated urging airlines, to restore this route.
The lack of direct links to Scotland makes winter travel particularly difficult for residents in the western Costa del Sol. For many travellers returning to the UK or hosting relatives visiting from the UK at Christmas, they will have to make multiple-stage journeys through Malaga or UK Airports. There are extra transfers, longer coach rides and higher fares.
Emma, an English mother who lives in Manilva and is originally from Dundee says that the disruptions complicate what should be easy trips. We sometimes fly from Gibraltar Airport, but would rather travel directly. We now fly via London which makes a simple journey more difficult. This is especially true for families with children.
Families and tourists will benefit from the benefits of this program
You can also find out more about the following: petition Change.org highlights the benefits of reinstating this route, both for tourists and also the growing Scottish Community in Spain. Gibraltar’s small airport, say supporters, could make travel easier and quicker. As a major advantage, shorter transfers to towns like Sotogrande Manilva and Estepona can save hours for travelers with luggage.
They also point out the potential boost for tourism. They claim direct flights would increase the number of visitors at times when Scots want to take a break from winter in the mild climate of Costa del Sol. The campaign has been gathering signatures as the frustrations during busy holidays grow.
Expat groups continue to hope that airlines will recognize the demand and restore the service. This would bring convenience to the families and encourage tourism during the traditionally quieter season.
The petition is still gaining support on the Costa del Sol. Protesters continue to call for carriers to listen and act before next Christmas.
