Gibraltar Airport - A challenge of its own

Gibraltar Airport is one of the most extraordinary airports in Europe, mainly due to its unique location and challenging conditions for pilots. The runway runs across one of Gibraltar's main roads and is surrounded on both sides by water and high cliffs. The striking rock formation right next to the airport often causes turbulence, wind shear and unpredictable gusts.

The approach from the west is not straight, but includes a distinctive right turn near X-RAY. The reason for this is the high terrain to the south of the aerodrome; a direct final approach is not possible due to the topographical conditions and the buildings. Instead, pilots have to initiate a visual turn onto the runway after flying over X-RAY. This turn requires not only good timing, but also precise coordination of speed, descent rate and bank angles - particularly challenging in the wind and weather conditions that often prevail on the cliff.