SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
La Gomera Airport, which was inaugurated on 21st June 1999, is marking 25 years of service to the island. Over the years, 1,113,327 passengers have travelled through its facilities and there have been 64,108 aircraft movements (data updated until 31st May 2024). Today, Thursday, the Airport commemorated its 25th anniversary with an event attended by representatives from various institutions, authorities, airport staff, and Aena managers.
During the event, a video showcasing the history and evolution of the airport and its impact on the island’s connectivity was presented. Following a welcome by Sara Povedano, the Airport Director, there were speeches by the general director of Aena Airports, Elena Mayoral; the president of the Cabildo of La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo; the Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jessica de León; and the Government delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana.
The general director of Airports expressed her appreciation for all the professionals who have contributed to the success of La Gomera Airport over its 25 years of operation, benefiting not only the island but also the wider community of the Canary Islands and Spain. She recognised the dedication and effort of all individuals, organizations, and institutions that have played a crucial role in the airport’s development.
Elena Mayoral emphasised the commitment to providing high-quality services to airlines and passengers, creating value for Spanish society as a whole, with a focus on environmental and social sustainability, as well as the competitiveness of the airport system. She also highlighted Aena’s dedication to the 1MW2 solar park project at the airport, which aims to contribute to achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030. Mayoral emphasised the importance of collaboration with public administrations, businesses, and local communities for future success.
The event featured a performance by a local folklore group and concluded with a cocktail reception and a toast to the airport staff and dignitaries in attendance.
Historical Background
In the 1980s, the need for an airport on La Gomera arose due to demands for healthcare and emergency evacuations. An agreement was reached on 27th July 1987 between the State administration and the Government of the Canary Islands for the construction of La Gomera Airport.
The airport’s construction presented challenges due to the island’s terrain and the importance of preserving the Garajonay National Park. However, the airport was eventually built on a plateau on the cliffs. The construction of the runway 09-27, aircraft parking facilities, and connecting roads were completed in 1994, and the airport was officially inaugurated on 21st June 1999.
Over its 25 years, La Gomera Airport has become a vital link for the island’s external communications and has played a key role in its tourism development. The airport’s facilities have seen continual improvements, including the expansion of the airfield in 2009, the addition of a baggage claim carousel in 2017, and a children’s playground in 2018. More recently, in 2022, the public parking area was extended, facilities for people with ostomies were introduced, and seating in the terminal building was renewed last year.
Current Status
La Gomera Airport, with the capacity to accommodate up to 300,000 passengers annually, welcomed over 113,000 passengers in 2023, surpassing one million since its inauguration. In the current year (until May), the airport has recorded 45,673 passengers, a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.
Binter, the primary airline serving La Gomera Airport since its opening, now operates daily flights to Tenerife and Gran Canaria with two flights to each destination. The airport also caters to general aviation, air taxi services, the 112 emergency response, and firefighting services.
Furthermore, La Gomera Airport continues to engage with various sectors of the community through educational visits, showcasing local artworks, and supporting environmental initiatives such as the conservation of endangered species like the guincho or osprey.
