As families on the Costa del Sol rush to finalise Christmas travel, a renewed campaign is calling for direct flights between Scotland and Gibraltar.
Expat groups say the festive period has highlighted the long-running inconvenience, with a popular petition urging airlines to restore the route.
For residents in western Costa del Sol towns, the lack of a direct Scottish link makes winter travel especially difficult. Many travellers heading home for Christmas, or welcoming relatives from the UK, face multi-stage journeys via Malaga or UK airports. These involve extra transfers, long coach rides, and higher fares.
Emma, a Manilva-based mother originally from Dundee, says the disruption complicates what should be simple trips. “Being at this end of the Costa del Sol, we sometimes use Gibraltar Airport and would prefer to travel directly from there. Now we fly via London, which makes what could be an easy journey much more difficult, especially with young children,” she explains.
Benefits for families and tourists
The petition on Change.org emphasises the benefits of reinstating the route for both tourists and the growing Scottish community in Spain. Supporters argue that Gibraltar’s compact airport could provide a smoother, quicker travel experience. Shorter transfers to towns including Sotogrande, Manilva, and Estepona are cited as a key advantage, saving hours for travellers carrying luggage or accompanying children.
Supporters also highlight the potential boost to tourism. Direct flights, they say, could increase visitor numbers at times when many Scots seek a winter break in the Costa del Sol’s mild climate. The campaign is gathering signatures steadily as frustrations grow during the busy holiday season.
Expat groups remain hopeful that airlines will recognise the demand and reinstate the service, bringing convenience to families and encouraging tourism at a traditionally quieter time of year.
The petition continues to attract support from across the Costa del Sol, with campaigners calling on carriers to listen to travellers and act before the next festive season.