§ Lord Merrivaleasked Her Majesty's Government:
In view of the potential of Gibraltar airport, what consideration they are giving to ways in which it can be commercially exploited to a greater extent. [HL3396]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)Gibraltar airfield is owned by Me Ministry of Defence, which is responsible for flight operations control for the airport. But equipment and operations control for passenger and baggage handling and encouraging the development of civilian air services are the responsibility of the Government of Gibraltar, in consultation with the MoD.
Improved air links are a high priority for the Government of Gibraltar. We understand that they are keen to develop new routes and increase the number of flights. Ultimately it is up to the commercial judgment of the airlines which routes they wish to serve.
An agreement with Spain on joint use and development of Gibraltar airport would be of major benefit to Gibraltar's economy. We would like all parties to look afresh at the issue in the hope of finding a way forward acceptable to all sides. But the difficulties should not be underestimated.